The seven-time Olivier Award-winning musical will open at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, becoming the third major production of the show following its London and Broadway openings. The announcement marks another international milestone for the musical, which features music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard. Since opening at London's Savoy Theatre in November 2025, Paddington The Musical has become one of the West End's biggest success stories, awarded five stars by Matinee Musicals!
James Hameed and Arti Shah (Paddington), photo by Johan Persson
The production won seven Olivier Awards in 2026, tying the record for the most wins by a musical in the awards' history. Its victories included Best New Musical, Best Director for Luke Sheppard, Best Set Design for Tom Pye and Ash J Woodward, and Best Costume Design for Gabriella Slade and Tahra Zafar.
It also collected nine WhatsOnStage Awards and the Critics' Circle Award for Best New Musical.
The London production is currently booking until February 2028, while its Broadway premiere is scheduled for 17 April 2027 at New York's Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Composer Tom Fletcher, who has previously toured and recorded in Australia, welcomed the announcement.
"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," he said.
Fletcher added that he was excited to share the production with Australian audiences after the response it has received in London.
Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said Sydney had been selected because of its enthusiasm for musical theatre and the opportunity to recreate the scale and ambition of the London production.
Australian producer Suzanne Jones, from JONES Theatrical Group, described the show as a musical that combines large-scale theatrical spectacle with character, humour and heart.
The Sydney premiere is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Paddington The Musical – Original Cast Recording, written by Tom Fletcher and produced by Matt Brind, has become the fastest-selling physical West End original cast recording of the 21st century in the UK.
Released through Decca Records, the album topped the Official UK Compilation Chart and is available on vinyl, CD, cassette and Yoto.
Based on Michael Bond's A Bear Called Paddington and the STUDIOCANAL film, the musical follows a young bear arriving in London from Peru in search of a home.
After meeting the Brown family, Paddington discovers a world of friendship and adventure, although a mysterious villain soon threatens his new life.
Alongside Fletcher, Swale and Sheppard, the creative team includes choreographer Ellen Kane, musical supervisor Matt Brind, scenic designer Tom Pye, costume designer Gabriella Slade and Paddington and puppet designer Tahra Zafar. Lighting is by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Owen, and video design and animation by Ash J Woodward.
Casting for Sydney has yet to be announced, with further details expected ahead of the September 2027 opening.