Interview with Tom Edden, Paddington the Musical
Conducted by Emme for Theatre and Tonic
Since opening at the West End’s Savoy Theatre at the tail end of 2025, Paddington: The Musical has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows of recent years. Hailed by our writer as “charming, heartwarming, irreverent, moving, funny, fantastic, layered with meaning and feeling, featuring a first-class creative team and a dream cast”, there’s no stopping the momentum of this show! With music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale, the musical is based on the 1958 children's book A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond and the 2014 StudioCanal film.
But what is it like to be a part of this musical? We caught up with Tom Edden, who plays Paddington’s nosey neighbour, Mr Curry, to find out more.
What drew you to the role of Mr. Curry in this world premiere production of Paddington: The Musical?
I was lucky enough to be asked to read the character very early on in the workshop stages, and that began a three-year journey of creating the part with our writer and director. I never thought twice about continuing that process, as it was clear that this project was going to be something special.
It’s an important question — was it essential to like marmalade before Paddington offered you the role?
Of course! We’ll see after a year whether it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.
Mr. Curry is known for being the nosey neighbour in the story. Did you draw inspiration from any of the books, films, or TV adaptations to shape your own version of him?
Not really, I think it’s important to create something from the ground up. I certainly was inspired by Jess Swale’s writing. But Mr Curry is very much an archetype; the busy body / stick in the mud nosy neighbour, so he is unavoidably stitched together with lots of references that we see in real people.
Are there any moments in the show where you secretly find yourself rooting for Paddington, even as Mr. Curry?
Well, I won’t spoil the story, but as an actor, you know the audience is rooting for Paddington before they even take their seats - so it’s all I can do to hold a candle for Mr Curry’s story when we first meet him. At first glance, he’s not as cuddly as the bear by a long shot!
This musical is brand new, which must be incredibly exciting! Does working on something fresh present any unique challenges for you as an actor?
In the main, it’s a great joy and privilege to be attached to something like this from the beginning. The challenges are really only the physical and energetic demands of getting through the long process of rehearsals, technical onstage rehearsals and then previews and the eight show a week schedule - but of course that’s all where the fun and fulfilment lie as well - so it’s all worth the blood, sweat and tears.
Paddington is such a beloved character. What do you think it is about him that makes him so comforting and timeless for audiences of all ages?
Well that is the question! Why Paddington? I don’t know if I can put it into words, but particularly with this manifestation of Paddington, which is the creation of some incredibly talented people - he seems to have the ability to connect with people immediately, straight to the heart. He has a childlike innocence that I think people respond to automatically. His qualities of trust, seeing the best in people and good old-fashioned kindness and politeness are infectious.
Everyone’s been buzzing about this addition to the West End — especially after hearing a few snippets of Tom Fletcher’s music. Do you have a favourite song that audiences should keep an ear out for?
Well, Mr Curry has his musical moment in the sun with a wonderful catchy song called ‘Marmalade’ which of course I love - but really the brilliance of Tom Fletcher is that he seems to be able to pull delightful and catchy tunes out of a hat! I loved ‘Rhythm of London’ from early on in the workshop process - that’s a banger!
Aside from the music, what other elements of this production can audiences look forward to experiencing?
I really think this is a show where all the creative departments are firing on all cylinders- the set design, the costumes, the cast; everything really comes together beautifully I think - it’s a generous show, no one is holding anything back. Everything has been created for the audience alone and hopefully it takes them on an emotional journey with a lot of laughs and thrills along the way.
Of course, the world is OBESSED with Paddington himself and how that has been brought to life. What was it like working with him in the rehearsal room?
He as polite and professional as you’d expect; very punctual and has a suprisingly strong singing voice. Just don’t leave any sandwiches lying around unguarded.
And finally, why should people book their tickets to see Paddington: The Musical?
People should book their tickets now because they are selling like hot cakes! We can feel on a daily basis the burst of joy and emotion that the audience feels from this show and it feels like that glow will last a long time - so people should come and feel the effect for themselves!
Paddington the Musical continues performances at the Savoy Theatre, where its currently booking until February 2027.
