Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre (two reviews)

How I was so looking forward to seeing this musical and it did not disappoint. First of all, I love musicals (providing they are not too loud) and second – I love Paddington. The sound levels were just right and miracle of miracles, no flashing lights! The acting was extremely professional by all the actors, particular mention has to go to Bonnie Langford playing Mrs Bird and Adrian Der Gregorian playing Mr Brown. I was a bit thrown in the beginning when a screen came up with a film – I thought that’s funny, I thought I was coming to see a stage performance, not a film, but it was all very relevant and set the scene nicely. The scenery and costumes were ideal and the music, not particularly memorable, was toe-tapping and the lyrics very relevant to the story line. I noticed from the programme that Paddington was played by 4 different actors and it was only at the end when they all came forward for their bow, that the actor playing Paddington was revealed and I will say that Abbie Purvis was an excellent Paddington. The whole production left one with a feeling of having spent a fun and feel-good afternoon.

Contributed by Sheila Warr

On 5 February a group from Bromley U3A theatre group joined Beckenham U3A to visit the Savoy Theatre to see Paddington the Musical.

This beautiful theatre was built in 1881 for the Doyle Carte Opera Company. It was completely restored in 1929 in the Art Deco style but had to be rebuilt again in 1993 following a fire. Today it feels warm and cosy and we had excellent seats in the dress circle.

This show has something for everyone, young and old with laughter and tears. The appearance of Paddington is a showstopper. His confusion as he asks for help at the busy station is sad. However, after he is rescued by the Browns he tries to fit in, but despite being told “Don’t touch that” he almost wrecks the house. Mr Brown wants to send him to the zoo or lost property office but is out voted.

Every aspect of this show is clever, unexpected and wonderful including the choreography, scenery and perfect sound (not so in all theatres). Tom Fletcher’s lyrics and score are fresh and catchy but have a darker theme which runs through the show and promotes the message in the show stopping finale “if everyone was a little kinder to everyone else, the world would be a better place,”

The final curtain call reveals the two actors who synchronise the singing with the acting of Paddington so perfectly, one doesn’t realise it isn’t technology. The whole production fully deserved the five-minute standing ovation

This show will run and run. Thank you, Liz and Mary, for arranging this.

Contributed by Janet Easto