Review Paddington

Star rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

We can’t ignore this musical: Paddington is one of, if not the, most famous shows of this theatre season. Paddington is an incredible success, and as a musical lover, I just needed to see this show.

Thanks to TicketSwap, I bought an affordable ticket, and then it was finally my time to see what all the fuss was about. The magic already started outside the theatre with Paddington’s own merchandise shop. A shop full of Paddington merch and honestly, heaven on earth.
Before I even stepped inside the theatre, I could feel the Paddington magic.

After looking around in the shop, it was time to go into the theatre. To enter, there was an underground-style sign, but instead of information about your train, it showed information about the show. With small merchandise areas, a photo booth opportunity, and everything wrapped into the Paddington magic, the world outside slowly disappeared. From that moment on, I was completely inside Paddington’s story.

I was seated in the stalls, row U, and even though I wouldn’t choose this seat in the first place, because of the hanging dress circle that blocks part of the view, it was absolutely worth it. I did miss some moments of the show, but it didn’t take away the magic. Not even for a second.

The set was incredible, not only the on-stage set, but also the way the theatre itself was transformed. Everything felt alive. If you are seated in the first few rows of the stalls, you are literally in the action, surrounded by the story, the colours, and the projections in the best possible way.

After absorbing the atmosphere before the show, it was finally time for it to start, and I can tell you, the show hadn’t even been running for five minutes before I was already emotional. Goosebumps. From start to finish. This musical is a masterpiece. Everything about it is perfect and wonderful. It all makes sense, it flows so naturally, and it’s genuinely beautiful.

The story begins when the Brown family arrive back in London and see a bear at the station. They decide to bring him home and name him Paddington, which marks the start of their adventures. What follows is pure theatre magic: real-life explosions, people flying through the air, and so many unexpected surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt plays the villain of the story, who tries to kidnap Paddington, and she is absolutely unforgettable.

When I saw the show, Paddington was played by Arti Shah, with the voice by James Hameed. Both give incredible performances. Especially when they are both on stage! The movements that Paddington makes are so gentle, so soft, and so full of emotion that it’s impossible not to fall in love with him. Every small gesture feels thoughtful and real.

The songs are amazing as well, with my personal favourites being Explorer and the Bear, Pretty Little Dead Things, and The Rhythm of London. Songs that stay with you long after the curtain falls.

This show didn’t just entertain me; it made me feel warm, emotional, happy, and a little bit nostalgic.
Paddington truly gave me goosebumps from start to finish.