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02 Apr 2026
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02 Apr 2026
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Paddington has been spotted in the wild, posing for a quick photograph on Abbey Road’s zebra crossing.
The popular bear, in his recognisable blue duffle coat and red hat, was at Abbey Road Studios to mark the announcement of the early release of the Paddington The Musical soundtrack.
Due to popular demand, the soundtrack for the award-winning production by McFly’s Tom Fletcher will begin streaming on April 10.
Part of the score was recorded at the historic studios with a full orchestra and vocals from the musical’s West End cast.
Passers-by were seen taking photos and videos of the bear as he strutted across the Abbey Road crossing in St John’s Wood, which is a popular tourist destination in London.
The zebra crossing featured on the cover of the Fab Four’s 1969 album Abbey Road, with bands including The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Bon Jovi among those who have recreated the image.
The children’s character was named after Paddington station in London, and appeared there last year alongside Fletcher for the music video for One Of Us from the musical.
Paddington has also met the Prince and Princess of Wales at last year’s Royal Variety Performance, appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with Fletcher and announced the winner for the best children and family film at this year’s Bafta Film Awards.
A physical release for Paddington The Musical – Original Cast Recording is expected to follow in May.
The musical, which is showing in the Savoy Theatre until May 2027, is based on the Michael Bond book A Bear Called Paddington and the 2014 film Paddington.
The bear is played by a two-person team consisting of James Hameed as remote puppeteer, controlling the expressions and delivering the voice, and Arti Shah embodying the character on stage.
Paddington, first published in 1958, has been adaptations many times, including for BBC TV in 1976, voiced by the late Sir Michael Hordern.
More recently, a film trilogy released in 2014, 2017 and 2024 performed well at the box office.
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