Paddington Musical Sets Broadway Cast With Original UK Stars and Tony-Winning Actors Leading the Show

Original performers return to Broadway

James Hameed and Arti Shah, who shared the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for playing Paddington, will reprise their roles. Shah performs in the bear suit, while Hameed provides the voice and remote puppetry.

The producers praised the company and said they were proud to bring the duo to Broadway. Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said Hameed and Shah had spent years developing the character alongside a team of artists and technicians.

Award-winning cast joins production

Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller will play Mrs. Brown, with Drew Gehling as Mr. Brown. The two previously appeared together in Waitress; Mueller is also known for Beautiful.

Tony winner Karen Ziemba will portray Mrs. Bird, while Tony Hale plays Mr. Curry. The cast also includes Chip Zien as Mr. Gruber and Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as Millicent Clyde.

Kelvin Dukes will play Tony, J. Quinton Johnson will play Grant, Zonya Love will play Tanya, and Serena Parrish will play Judy Brown.

A bear seeks a home

The musical follows a small bear from Peru who arrives in London looking for a home. After meeting the Browns, Paddington finds himself in an adventure shaped by kindness and unexpected family ties.

When a mysterious villain targets the bear, the Browns set out on a rescue mission. The story also reveals that even a seemingly happy family can have problems beneath the surface.

Broadway dates and West End success

Paddington begins Broadway performances at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on March 30, 2027, with opening night scheduled for April 18, 2027. The West End production has won seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and has played to sold-out audiences since its first performance. Tickets for the London run are on sale through summer 2028, reflecting what the production described as unprecedented demand.