PADDINGTON'S PAWSOME

After three hit films, the nation's favourite marmalade sandwich-loving bear arrives on stage in a major new West End Musical tonight. McFly singer Tom Fletcher and actress Bonnie Langford reveal all

- STEFAN KYRIAZIS

FROM humble beginnings in deepest Peru to having tea with the Queen at her Platinum Jubilee, a certain bear holds a special place in our nation’s hearts. He may hide marmalade sandwiches under his hat but he’s also been keeping a blockbuster show up his sleeve...

Based on the beloved books by Michael Bond and the 2014 film, with music and lyrics by McFly popstar Tom Fletcher, Paddington the Musical is set to bring the bear’s origin story to the stage in spectacular fashion when it opens at London’s Savoy Theatre tonight.

The show follows the lovable chap’s bewildered arrival and his antics with the Brown family, adorable antiques dealer Mr Gruber and grumpy neighbour Mr Curry, plus the villainous taxidermist Millicent Clyde. But scriptwriter Jessica Swale also promises “lots of juicy new material and people”.

Bonnie Langford plays the Brown's housekeeper Mrs Bird and tells me she loves hiding in the wings every night to watch the moment when Paddington first appears, with Arti Shah breathing life into Paddington inside the costume with the iconic red hat and blue duffel coat, while James Hameed provides his voice and remote-controlled facial expressions.

“It’s like a rock star, people just scream,” Bonnie grins. “They put one hand up to their face, then start to tear up, often the adults even more than the kids. It’s beautiful.”

For over 20 years, Tom’s been used to all that while touring the world with his band but he tells me he’s loving being on the other side this time.

“On my goodness, now I’m the screaming fan,” he laughs. “I cry harder than anyone when he steps on to stage. Being sat in the audience and seeing everyone else laughing and crying, I feel so lucky.”

Theatre can often seem stuffy, but everyone involved is unabashedly proud of the emotional impact the show has been having in previews.