Sydney, please look after this bear. Paddington is packing his suitcase and heading Down Under. Paddington The Musical will make its Australian debut at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in September 2027, bringing one of London’s biggest recent musical theatre hits to the Harbour City.
The record-breaking production won seven prizes at the 2026 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. Sydney will become the third city to host the show, following London’s West End and Broadway in New York.
For generations of Australians who grew up with Michael Bond’s beloved bear, the musical promises spectacular songs, dazzling choreography and plenty of marmalade.
A record-breaking West End sensation
Since opening at London’s Savoy Theatre in November 2025, Paddington The Musical has become a major success, tying the record for the most Olivier Awards won by a musical in a single ceremony.
The production also collected a record nine WhatsOnStage Awards and the Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Musical.
London performances are currently scheduled through February 2028, while the Broadway production is set to open on 17 April 2027. Now, Sydney audiences will get their own chance to experience the show.
Why Sydney is the perfect home for Paddington
Paddington’s journey to find a place to call home makes his Australian stage debut all the more fitting. Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said the bear’s journey, built around kindness, acceptance and belonging, would resonate with Australian audiences.
Australian producer Suzanne Jones also welcomed the announcement, describing the show as a rare new musical that combines spectacular scale with character, humour and heart.
The NSW Government is supporting the premiere through Destination NSW, with the production expected to attract visitors from across Australia and overseas.
What is Paddington The Musical about?
Based on Michael Bond’s beloved books and the Paddington films, the musical follows a small bear from Peru who arrives in London searching for a home.
After meeting the Brown family, Paddington finds friendship and adventure. But when a mysterious villain sets her sights on him, the family launches a rescue mission and discovers just how much their new friend means to them.
The show features original music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard.
Fletcher described bringing Paddington to the stage as the greatest adventure of his career, adding that he was thrilled to share the production with Australian audiences.
From beloved books to the global stage
Paddington first appeared in Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington in 1958. Since then, the character has featured in 29 books that have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
Three successful feature films have earned critical acclaim and more than US$800 million at the global box office. The musical has continued that success, with its original cast recording becoming the fastest-selling physical West End original cast recording of the 21st century in the UK.
Finally, Sydney is next to welcome the much-loved bear for an adventure filled with humour, heart and, naturally, marmalade.
Key details
- What: Paddington The Musical
- When: September 2027
- Where: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
- Tickets: Performance dates, prices and casting are yet to be announced.
