Paddington Gets a New Villain as West End Musical Welcomes Fresh Cast

Paddington Bear has a new villain to contend with in London's West End, as Olivier Award-winning actress Cassidy Janson takes over the role of Millicent Clyde in Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre.

Janson began performances on Wednesday 28 October 2026 alongside a new company of actors, marking the production's transition into its second year following its original West End opening.

The cast change introduces new interpretations of several familiar characters, including members of the Brown family and Paddington's neighbours, while maintaining the musical's central story about a young bear finding a home in London.

Cassidy Janson becomes Paddington's enemy

Janson, whose theatre credits include & Juliet, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Wicked, takes on the role of Millicent Clyde, a character determined to capture Paddington.

The actress has previously received an Olivier Award for her performance in & Juliet, and her arrival brings an established musical theatre performer into one of the production's principal roles.

For Janson, Millicent also represents an opportunity to portray a theatrical villain, offering a different challenge from some of her previous stage appearances.

Her character provides a source of danger for Paddington as the bear attempts to settle into his new surroundings and build relationships with the people who have welcomed him into their family.

A new Brown family arrives

Haydn Oakley and Charlotte Wakefield join the production as Mr and Mrs Brown, with Linzi Hateley taking over as Mrs Bird and Marc Pickering playing the Browns' neighbour Mr Curry.

Sandra Marvin appears as Tanya, Samantha Bingley joins as Lady Sloane and Alex Crandon plays Hank the Pigeon, while Teddy Kempner continues in the role of Mr Gruber.

The musical also features a rotating group of younger performers, with Poppy Houghton and Francesca Ratcliffe alternating as Judy Brown and four actors sharing the role of Jonathan Brown.

Several performers from the previous company remain involved, providing continuity as the production introduces its new cast.

How does Paddington appear on stage?

One of the musical's most distinctive features is the way Paddington is brought to life through the combined work of different performers, rather than relying on a single actor wearing a traditional character costume.

Abbie Purvis and Hassan Taj alternate as Paddington's onstage performer, with Sonny Monaghan contributing the character's voice and remote puppetry.

The arrangement allows Paddington to interact with the cast while retaining the visual personality associated with Michael Bond's much-loved character.

The production is directed by Luke Sheppard, with a book by Jessica Swale and music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, bringing the bear's adventures into a musical theatre setting.

How long is Paddington the Musical running?

Paddington the Musical is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre in London until 13 February 2028, although the announced booking period does not guarantee that every individual performer will appear throughout the run.

Audiences hoping to see a particular actor should check the official schedule before booking, especially where performers alternate in the same role.

The arrival of the new company gives returning visitors an opportunity to experience the production with a different cast, while introducing Paddington's theatrical adventures to audiences attending for the first time.

Official website: https://www.paddingtonthemusical.com/