Choreographer Rhys Wilkinson on his passion for Paddington

An actor and choreographer has said working on the Paddington musical has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Rhys Wilkinson from Coventry, who studied at Freeman Dance in the city when growing up, is now the assistant choreographer for the musical which is wowing audiences in the West End.

Speaking to BBC CWR about Paddington the Musical, Rhys said: “The moment I first met Paddington I was a mess – I was in tears because he’s the most incredible thing and the actors do the most wonderful work bringing it to life.”

Rhys was first involved with the musical in its early stages in 2022 as an actor in workshops for the show and was later asked to become assistant choreographer.

“I remember telling [mum and dad] I’d got the opportunity to be assistant director on Paddington,” Rhys said.

“Both of them let out a scream in the living room and it was a really special moment.”

The musical follows the story of Paddington as he arrives in London from Peru in search of a new home and meeting the Brown family.

It is directed by Luke Sheppard and the music and lyrics were created by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, with a book by Jessica Swale.

Speaking about his favourite moment in the show, Rhys said: “The moment that always gets me is the moment the audience see Paddington for the first time and it takes people’s breath away.

“There are people next to me who have tears in their eyes or gasp and you instantly feel the kindness and warmth from the character as soon as he steps on stage.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

Paddington is acted by two people, with Arti Shah in a bear costume physically embodying the character, while James Hameed is offstage voicing Paddington and remote controlling the bear’s facial expressions.

“It’s a huge collaborative process of bringing the bear to life,” Rhys said.

“Together [Arti and James] create the most theatrical magic I’ve ever seen on stage.

“They both feel what Paddington is feeling at the same time and it is just magic. It’s theatrical greatness, I believe.

“It’s never been done on stage and it was the most amazing process to make it happen.”

Rhys moved to London at 18 to train at the Urdang Academy, studying for a BA in musical theatre and dance.

Prior to Paddington, Rhys said one of his favourite moments from his career was acting in the musical Why Am I So Single? written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the creators of the musical Six.

“We were nominated for best new musical at the Oliviers and to perform in the Royal Albert Hall with all those people – that show holds a really special place in my heart,” he said.

“I got to cover the lead in that show, and as a non-binary lead in the West End it was just the most amazing opportunity and I’m very grateful to all the people that made that possible.”

Rhys said his parents knew from a very young age that he wanted to perform and he had been surrounded by a supportive family his whole life.

“I had a difficult time growing up in Coventry, I was aware that I was very different,” Rhys said.

“I had beautiful friends around me who made me feel super warm and looked after me, and my family.

“There was never any doubt that I didn’t believe I could do it, because everyone else around me believed that I could.”