Sydney is set to host Paddington The Musical, with producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley expressing excitement about Australia’s appetite for world-class musical theatre and the show’s themes of kindness and belonging aligning with Paddington’s ethos.

Australian leaders emphasize Sydney as a natural fit for the production, highlighting collaboration with local partners and the aim to bring Paddington to Australian audiences.

Paddington The Musical features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale, and direction by Luke Sheppard, having won seven Olivier Awards and nine WhatsOnStage Awards, plus a Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Musical.

The show has been running in London’s West End since 2025 and is based on Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington and recent film adaptations.

Paddington The Musical will premiere on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in March, six months before its Sydney opening.

Sydney dates are planned for 2027, with casting yet to be announced as opening approaches in September 2027.

The original cast recording, Paddington The Musical – Original Cast Recording, produced by Matt Brind for Decca, has become the fastest-selling West End original cast recording of the 21st century in the UK.

Paddington The Musical is set to premiere in Sydney at the Capitol Theatre in September 2027 for a 10-week run, following a West End debut in 2025 and a Broadway opening planned for April 2027.

London performances feature James Hameed handling voice and puppetry remotely, Arti Shah in the furry Paddington suit, and an animatronic puppet designed by Tahra Zafar.

The NSW Government’s Destination NSW backs the Australian premiere, with Sydney casting to be announced later; the story follows Paddington arriving in London, joining the Browns, and facing a villain while underscoring kindness and belonging.

Ticket waitlists are available publicly, reflecting collaboration between Paddington’s producers and Jones Theatrical Group for the Australian presentation.

The official site offers a priority waitlist for Australian audiences to register interest in the Sydney premiere.