We asked the cast of Paddington the Musical if there was an element in the show that audiences should look out for, and they spilled the beans. Turns out, there’s a small but delightful detail woven throughout the musical that most people miss and we’re letting you in on the secret.
Paddington the Musical is the show to see in the West End, especially after winning a stunning seven Olivier Awards earlier this year. Audiences are loving this delightfully heartwarming musical that sees the 1958 children’s book and 2014 film reimagined for the stage. The production is certainly a spectacle, but there’s one hidden detail that most audiences miss entirely.
James Hameed (Paddington, vocals) and Hassan Taj (understudy Paddington, onstage performer) have shared a small but delightful detail that’s woven throughout Paddington the Musical that’s all to do with Paddington’s nose!
Once you know it, you won’t be able to stop looking for it.
The sniff’s the thing
When they were asked about a detail the audience should look out for, Hameed and Taj both brought up the bear’s penchant for sniffing.
Hameed specified that ‘whenever Paddington meets someone new within the cast,’ the bear will give ‘a little sniff.’ It’s his way of getting to know people, to see if he can trust them. If you look very closely, you’ll see him give Mrs Brown, Tanya, Tony and Mrs Bird a little sniff when he first meets them.
The actor, who provides vocals for Paddington, also teased that there is another character who he goes to sniff, but it doesn’t quite go to plan. As he puts it, Paddington ‘sniffs her, but he’s got marmalade in his mouth.’ Because of that, he can’t work out whether she’s a good person or not.
Adventure in the air
Hassan Taj, who understudies Paddington’s on-stage performance, also pointed out some additional sniffs he thinks the audience often misses.
He said one of his favourite sniffing moments is ‘when Mrs Bird says there’s an adventure coming, and then Paddington’s sniffing around trying to find the adventure.’
Taj offered a little more direction for where audiences can spot this sniff, sharing that it’s ‘after ‘Mr. Gruber’s Shop’ is done but before ‘Hard Stare.’
It’s a small moment in the show that perfectly captures the spirit of Paddington.
Eagle-eyed audience members can also spot a secret sniff in the projection scene with the Explorer. There’s a moment when Paddington catches sight of marmalade and can’t resist a happy inhale as he goes by.
So next time you’re at Paddington the Musical, keep your eyes on that famous nose and see if you can spot the ‘secret sniffs’ scattered throughout the production!
Plan your visit to Paddington the Musical
- Theatre: Savoy Theatre
- Booking dates: until 13 February 2028
- Performance schedule: Wednesday to Saturday evenings; Thursday, Saturday and Sunday matinees
- Age range: 6+
Savoy Theatre, London
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