Paddington: The Musical sets Broadway dates after tying Olivier record in London

Broadway transfer

The stage adaptation of Michael Bond's beloved books and the hit films will make its transatlantic leap to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, currently home to Moulin Rouge! The Musical until July. Previews start on 30 March 2027, followed by an official opening night on 18 April. The Broadway engagement is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Studiocanal and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK. Tickets, priced from $69, are already on sale.

“It has been the greatest adventure of my career to be entrusted with bringing Paddington's story to life on stage alongside my brilliant creative collaborators Jessica, Luke and our producers Sonia and Eliza.”

London triumph

The musical opened at the Savoy Theatre in late 2025 and quickly became a critical and commercial hit, with the Guardian awarding five stars. In 2026 it picked up seven Olivier Awards, including best new musical, tying the record for the most won by a musical. It also claimed nine WhatsOnStage awards and the Critics' Circle award for best new musical. The London run is booking through February 2028, with most June and July performances already sold out.

The creative team

Music and lyrics come from McFly's Tom Fletcher, the book is by Jessica Swale, and Luke Sheppard directs. The title character is brought to life by a two-person puppet: James Hameed provides the voice and remote facial expressions, while Arti Shah performs inside the bear costume. The duo won the Olivier for best actor in a musical. Casting for the Broadway production was not announced.

“I couldn't be more excited to bring Paddington to New York. As a city that breathes theatre, storytelling and imagination, Broadway is the perfect place to celebrate this exuberant and heart-filled story.”

“Paddington Bear has endured for generations because he reminds us of the best of ourselves: kindness, curiosity, empathy and the belief that everyone deserves to belong.”

The story

The musical follows the clumsy but lovable bear from Peru, who is taken in by the Brown family after a chance meeting at Paddington station. The household must protect him from the villainous taxidermist Millicent Clyde. The marmalade-loving bear has already made public appearances at the Bafta Film Awards and the Royal Variety Performance, meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales, and a soundtrack was released early on streaming services due to demand.