Paddington stage musical wins big with 7 trophies at London’s Olivier Awards - AP News

Paddington stage musical wins big with 7 trophies at London’s Olivier Awards

Rosamund Pike poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, England, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Rachel Zegler reacts upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, England, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Cate Blanchett reacts as she poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, England, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus pose for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, England, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Jo Foster poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, England, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Marisha Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the Olivier Awards in London, England, Sunday, April 12, 2026. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

LONDON (AP) — Homegrown hit “Paddington The Musical” was the big winner at London’s Olivier Awards on Sunday, where the marmalade-loving bear from Peru won seven trophies, including best new musical.

The prizes celebrating achievements in theater, opera and dance are Britain’s equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards.

Based on Michael Bond’s stories about a duffel-coated bear seeking a new home in London, “Paddington The Musical” was written by playwright Jessica Swale and songwriter Tom Fletcher of the band McFly.

Bond’s books have been much-loved since the 1950s¸and in recent years Paddington has become a British icon through three successful movies and an on-screen appearance with Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, just weeks before her death.

The musical has proved a major success since it opened in November, with audiences embracing the cuddly central character, brought to life through a blend of live acting and puppetry.

Its Olivier wins included a joint best actor in a musical award for James Hameed and Arti Shah, who together play the role. Hameed provides the voice and remote puppetry, while Shah — the first woman to win a best-actor Olivier — inhabits the bear costume onstage.

Hameed urged people to embrace the Paddington stories’ message of welcoming immigrants and strangers. “Paddington reminds us to be welcoming, inquisitive and most importantly, kind,” he said.

Cast members Tom Edden and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt won the supporting performer prizes, and the show also took trophies for director Luke Sheppard and for both set and costume design.

Sheppard hinted that this “love letter to London” could one day be Broadway-bound. “It would be a dream for Paddington to pack his suitcase and visit some other cities around the world,” the director said backstage. “So watch this space.”