Front Row Reviewing Paddington The Musical, Jafar Panahi's latest film, and Russell Tovey meets the Sea Devils
Dec 5, 2025
Arifa Akbar, The Guardian's drama critic, dives into the enchanting world of Paddington The Musical, exploring its storytelling, character development, and political themes about immigration. She praises the bear's on-stage performance while Nick Hilton, television critic for The Independent, shares insights on Jafar Panahi's latest film, It Was Just An Accident, discussing its darkly comic tones and moral ambiguity. The duo also delves into Russell Tovey's role as an everyman ambassador in the Doctor Who spinoff, unpacking its eco-centric narrative and the Sea Devils' return.
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Live Paddington Puppetry Win
- James Hamid sings backstage and operates Paddington's facial features while another performer is inside the suit enabling dance participation.
- The first reveal of Paddington in Mr Gruber's shop drew an audible
Stage Adds Family Depth
- Arifa found the musical expanded the film's plot by giving the Brown family fuller backstories and character arcs.
- That extra depth made the stage version feel heartfelt rather than just a brand cash-in.
Tech + Physicality Create Emotion
- The animatronics transpose a live singer's face onto the puppet, giving expressive nuance despite limits.
- Physical posture and the performer inside the suit supply much of the emotional reading.
