Back to News & Press Meet the Principal Cast Bringing the World Premiere of PADDINGTON The Musical to the West End this Autumn Wednesday, 20 August 2025 As rehearsals begin for the world premiere of PADDINGTON The Musical, producers Sonia Friedman Productions , STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK today announce the principal cast (well, maybe not quite all of them just yet…) and further members of the creative team. Adapted from the much-loved books written by Michael Bond , and the award-winning films by STUDIOCANAL, with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard the production opens at the Savoy Theatre on Sunday, 30 November, with previews from Saturday, 1 November, and is currently booking until 25 May 2026. The principal cast is Timi Akinyosade (Tony), Amy Booth-Steel (Lady Sloane), Tarinn Callender (Grant), Delilah Bennett-Cardy (Judy Brown), Adrian Der Gregorian (Mr. Brown), Tom Edden (Mr Curry), Brenda Edwards (Tanya), Amy Ellen Richardson (Mrs. Brown), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Millicent Clyde), Teddy Kempner (Mr Gruber), Bonnie Langford (Mrs Bird), and the role of Jonathan Brown is played by Joseph Bramley , Leo Collon , Stevie Hare and Jasper Rowse . It may also be apparent that someone rather important is missing from this announcement. Dramatic paws... We can’t wait for you to meet Paddington, but please bear with us a little longer. Also announced today is the additional creative team working alongside Sheppard – Matt Brind (Musical Supervisor, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Ellen Kane (Choreographer), Tom Pye (Scenic Designer), Gabriella Slade (Costume Designer), Paddington Bear Designer: To be revealed , Neil Austin (Lighting Designer), Gareth Owen (Sound Designer), Ash J Woodward (Video Designer and Animation), Campbell Young Associates (Hair, Wig & Make-Up Designer), Majid Adin (Illustration and additional Animation), Laura Bangay (Musical Director), Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting (Casting Director), and Nick Hockaday (Young Persons’ Casting Director), Javier Marzan (Physical Comedy Consultant, Tobago and D-Lime (Additional Music Consultants). Full cast, including Paddington Casting, Bear Designer and Bear Creative team to be announced shortly. Producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley said today, “Having had the immense privilege to work with Tom, Jessica and Luke to create and develop this brand-new musical over several years, it’s incredibly exciting to be starting rehearsals with this extraordinary company. We can’t wait until the first preview, when we will reveal who will be playing Paddington, and the brilliant creative team who are responsible for bringing this very special bear to life on stage.” Anna Marsh , CEO of STUDIOCANAL, Chief Content Officer of CANAL+ and Deputy CEO of CANAL+ comments, “We are so proud to announce our brilliantly talented company today as we look forward to Paddington’s highly anticipated stage debut in London’s West End. As with our films and series, we have put such genuine care into PADDINGTON the Musical to ensure that audiences will truly delight in Paddington’s next adventure. It’s a true privilege for everyone at STUDIOCANAL to be part of Paddington’s legacy.” Up Up

Back to News & Press New Cast Announced for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Thursday, 28 August 2025 Today, 28 August 2025, the producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions - are delighted to introduce the new cast who will join the Company from 15 October 2025, as booking for the original two-part multi award-winning London production extends to 26 July 2026 at the Palace Theatre. A combined total of 130,000 tickets have been released for Part 1 and Part 2 in the new booking period including 26,000 tickets priced at £15 per part. The West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the only version worldwide shown in two parts. Joining the cast are Joshua Sullivan as Albus Potter, Kai Spackman as Scorpius Malfoy, Oliver Boot as Draco Malfoy and Tamia-Renée Alexandra as Rose Granger-Weasley. David Ricardo-Pearce and Claire Lams continue as Harry and Ginny Potter with Thomas Aldridge and Naana Agyei-Ampadu as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. They are joined by David Annen, Hollie Beastall, Jacqueline Beaumont, Angeline Bell, Ricardo Castro, Robert Curtis, Laveda Dione, Gabriel Fleary, Aidan Garrett Wilkins, Cate Hamer, Tim Hibberd, Max Hunter, Dewayne Jameson Adams, Emma Louise Jones, Laura June Ness, Geffen Katz-Kaye, Louise Ludgate, Sophie Matthew, Nathan Muwowo, David Nairne, Mariam Pope, Helen Power, Jocelyn Prah, Claire Redcliffe, Ian Redford, Martin de los Santos, Adam Slynn, Joshua Talbot, Callum Tempest, Alex Tomkins and Jake Tuesley. Jasper Franklin, Sebastian Halford, Rachel Kirk, Effie Linnen, Theo Martin, Zachary Seaton and Harper Tricker alternate two children’s roles. 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance. Now booking to 26 July 2026, tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child remain priced from £15 per part. The regular performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – no performance; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 2pm Part One & 7pm Part Two; Sunday - 1pm Part One & 6pm Part Two. Each Friday 40 tickets priced at £40 (£20 per part) are released for every performance the following week, and located in great seats throughout the theatre. Patrons can enter the ‘Friday Forty’ lottery by downloading the TodayTix app. The access performances currently on sale are as follows - British Sign Language Performances on Saturday 13 September 2025 and Saturday 21 March 2026, Audio Described Performances on Saturday 15 November 2025 Saturday 14 March 2026, and Captioned Performances on Saturday 8 November 2025 and Saturday 7 March 2026. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage and the eighth story in the Harry Potter series. Now in its ninth year at the Palace Theatre, the production has been seen by 2 million people in the West End and over 11 million worldwide and holds a record 60 major honours, with nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play and six Tony Awards including Best New Play. There are currently five productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child running worldwide in London, New York, Hamburg, Tokyo, and a North American tour which is currently running at Washington DC’s Broadway At The National, followed by The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, from February 2026. Find out more at WWW.HARRYPOTTERTHEPLAY.COM Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany , Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne , directed by John Tiffany with movement by Steven Hoggett , set by Christine Jones , costumes by Katrina Lindsay , music & arrangements by Imogen Heap , lighting by Neil Austin , sound by Gareth Fry , illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison , music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe , and casting by Julia Horan CDG and Lotte Hines CDG . Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions , Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions . Up Up

SFP NEWS The latest updates, announcements and news from Sonia Friedman Productions. READ MORE 28 Aug 2025 New Cast Announced for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Booking Extends to 26 July 2026 at the Palace Theatre. READ MORE 27 Aug 2025 Stranger Things: The First Shadow Announces New Lead Cast The Critically Acclaimed Olivier Award-Winning Play Celebrates Second Anniversary in the West End, Extending Until 5 April 2026. READ MORE 27 Aug 2025 Sonia Friedman Productions Announces Further Key Personnel Changes As Part of a Major Restructure of the Company Pam Skinner to Step Down After 19 Years. Jack Dingle to Rejoin As Managing Director. READ MORE 20 Aug 2025 Meet the Principal Cast Bringing the World Premiere of PADDINGTON The Musical to the West End this Autumn Additional Members of the Creative Team Also Announced Today. READ MORE 18 Aug 2025 Sonia Friedman Productions Announces Key Personnel Changes Diane Benjamin to step down and to become consultant. Kash Bennett to join company as Executive Director. READ MORE 13 Aug 2025 My favourite performance: Sonia Friedman Which productions most inspired, moved and delighted our leading theatremakers? West End producer Sonia Friedman chooses an unforgettable rehearsal performance by Harold Pinter of Krapp’s Last Tape. READ MORE 31 Jul 2025 Further Casting Announced for the National Theatre's West End Transfer of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST At the Noël Coward Theatre From 18 September in a Co-Production with Sonia Friedman Productions. READ MORE 30 Jul 2025 HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Celebrates 9 Years at the Palace Theatre Today marks 9 years since Harry Potter took to the stage. READ MORE 16 Jul 2025 Sony Pictures Classics and Fathom Entertainment to Premiere Broadway Hit "Merrily We Roll Along" in Theatres Worldwide on December 5 The filmed version by Director Maria Friedman of the 4X Tony-winning Broadway musical stars Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez. READ MORE 2 Jul 2025 London Theatre: Superproducer Sonia Friedman on building a theatre empire As London Theatre continues to celebrate its 30-year anniversary, they speak to "superproducer" Sonia Friedman about her latest productions, biggest successes, and the changing theatre landscape. READ MORE LOAD MORE

Back to News & Press Sonia Friedman Productions Announces Further Key Personnel Changes As Part of a Major Restructure of the Company Wednesday, 27 August 2025 Sonia Friedman Productions (SFP), one of the world’s leading theatre companies, today confirms a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team as the company enters its next phase of growth. After 19 years at the heart of SFP, International Executive Producer Pam Skinner will depart in early 2026. Skinner will remain with SFP for the next six months to ensure a smooth handover. As part of the company’s major restructure which also saw the recent appointment of Kash Bennett as Executive Director, SFP today announces the appointment of Jack Dingle as Managing Director – a newly created role, responsible for overseeing the strategic, commercial, financial, and operational management of the business, and helping to drive its long-term vision while ensuring robust short-term delivery. Jack Dingle, who previously served as Finance Director at SFP, will rejoin in November 2025. Sonia Friedman said today: “Pam Skinner has been a pillar of SFP for nearly two decades. Her intelligence, wisdom, humour and extraordinary judgment have guided this company through countless productions around the world. She has been a trusted colleague and a dear friend, and her departure marks the close of another extraordinary chapter in SFP’s story. I will miss her greatly, but I know her legacy will be felt for many years to come. “At the same time, I am thrilled to welcome back Jack Dingle as our first Managing Director. Jack knows this company inside out, and his return – in this expanded leadership role – will be transformational. His knowledge of SFP, combined with his experience and passion, will help secure our long-term vision while ensuring we remain robust and ambitious in the short term. This appointment will allow me to focus more fully on our development, productions, our artists, our audiences and the art form we cherish.” Pam Skinner commented, “I am extremely proud and deeply honoured to have been part of the evolution of SFP into one of the most prolific, innovative and successful production companies in the world. My role as Executive Producer has taken me around the globe and given me some truly incredible experiences – ones I could never have dreamed of when I first joined in 2007. “However, after nearly 19 exhilarating years, I feel it is the right time to pass on the baton and seek new adventures. I will be forever grateful to have worked alongside the incomparable Sonia Friedman and the entire, immensely talented SFP family – past and present – all of whom have contributed so brilliantly to this extraordinary journey. I will always treasure the memories and relationships I have formed during my time here. It’s been quite a ride!” Jack Dingle added, “I am delighted to be returning to support the remarkable Sonia Friedman and the incredibly talented team at SFP. “With PADDINGTON The Musical , The Importance of Being Earnest and Oedipus all soon opening - amongst many others - and an enviable development slate for Broadway and the West End in the works – this is a thrilling moment to be rejoining such a special company. “I look forward to drawing on my professional and leadership experience across theatre, music and screen to help enable Sonia’s vision for the company’s next chapter.” Up Up

Back to News & Press Stranger Things: The First Shadow Announces New Lead Cast Wednesday, 27 August 2025 Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions today announce a new lead cast will join the critically acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning, world première production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow . As the show approaches its second anniversary in the West End, it will also extend into its third year at the Phoenix Theatre , now running until 5 April 2026. With tickets priced at £19.59 released today, for 72 hours only, across weekday performances from 18 November – 12 December 2025 to celebrate second anniversary at the Phoenix Theatre. Jack Christou will take over the role of Henry Creel with Stewart Clarke as Dr Brenner, Avril Maponga as Patty Newby, Max Potter as Bob Newby, Adam Wadsworth as James Hopper Jr. and Edie Wright as Joyce Maldonado. The new company begins performances on 12 November 2025, just ahead of the release of the highly anticipated fifth season of the hit Netflix series. Also announced today is a partnership with Go Live Theatre , a charity that uses the power of live theatre to create joyful and inspiring experiences for children and young people from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds. Go Live will host an Education Matinee on Friday 21 November providing students from state schools around London with a high percentile of Pupil Premium the opportunity to see Stranger Things: The First Shadow for £10 a ticket. The multi award-winning hit production is now running on both sides of the Atlantic, having opened on Broadway earlier this year. Its numerous accolades in London include the Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment and Best Set Design, the Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Set Design and Most Promising Newcomer, and the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play. On Broadway the play became the most nominated of the 2025 season, winning 4 Tony Awards including a special Tony Award for Illusions and Technical Effects. The Broadway production is currently booking tickets through March 2026 at The Marquis Theater. Earlier this year, Netflix released the official documentary, Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow , which offers an electrifying look backstage during the making of the critically acclaimed, award-winning play in the lead up to its world premiere at London’s Phoenix Theatre in December 2023. It is available to watch now exclusively on Netflix. Up Up

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Back to Productions STEREOPHONIC – WEST END This production is currently running until November 2025. ★★★★★ "The stunningly rendered tale of a band on the brink of creative genius is an extraordinary, electrifying odyssey" The Guardian BOOK NOW. Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup — or their breakthrough. In Stereophonic , Adjmi invites the audience to immerse themselves—with fly-on-the-wall intimacy—in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up. For further information, click here . ★★★★★ "1970s rock drama is a sublime, five-star hit… a superb, gorgeously textured drama" Financial Times Last year, Stereophonic became the most Tony Award-nominated play ever and the most Tony Award-winning show of 2024. It completes its Broadway run, after extending twice and recouping, on 12 January 2025 before the play transfers to the West End, running at the Duke of York’s Theatre from May 2025. ★★★★★ "Hilariously funny and achingly poignant. The heart soars. A stupendous night" Daily Express CAST ANDREW R. BUTLER – Charlie ELI GELB – Grover ZACHARY HART – Reg LUCY KARCZEWSKI – Diana JACK RIDDIFORD – Peter CHRIS STACK – Simon NIA TOWLE – Holly SAM DENIA – Understudy Reg, Charlie & Grover RIMA GEORGES – Understudy Georges LUCY GRAY – Understudy Diana STEVE SHIRLEY – Understudy Simon & Peter CREATIVES DAVID ADJMI – Playwright DANIEL AUKIN – Director WILL BUTLER – Music DAVID ZINN – Scenic Designer ENVER CHAKARTASH – Costume Designer JIYOUN CHANG – Lighting Designer RYAN RUMERY – Sound Designer JUSTIN CRAIG – Music Director ALAINE ALLDAFFER – Casting TAYLOR WILLIAMS – Casting

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CURRENT AND FORTHCOMING CURRENT & FORTHCOMING PAST FILM & TV DIGITAL VIEW ALL More THE BOOK OF MORMON West End and U.K. and International tour Now Playing Button Button PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL Savoy Theatre From this autumn Button Button SUNNY AFTERNOON – UK TOUR 2025 UK tour From 10 Oct 2025 Button Button QUEEN OF VERSAILLES St James Theatre From 8 October Button Button HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Worldwide Now Playing Button Button STEREOPHONIC – WEST END The Duke of York's 24 May - 22 Nov 2025 Button Button JUST FOR ONE DAY - THE LIVE AID MUSICAL Shaftesbury Theatre 15 May 2025 - 10 Jan 2026 Button Button STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW West End and Broadway Now Playing Button Button THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Nöel Coward From 18 Sep 2025 Button Button OEDIPUS – BROADWAY Studio 54 From Nov 2025 Button Button

Producing your favourite shows Download CURRENT SHOWS Our current and forthcoming global productions and co-productions. ALL SHOWS OUR AWARDS 349 MAJOR AWARDS WON 67 OLIVIER AWARDS 61 TONY AWARDS 3 BAFTAs OUR STORY LEARN MORE We are an international production company responsible for some of the most successful theatre productions in the world. SFP has developed, initiated and been lead producer of over 270 new productions and together the company has been responsible for winning 67 Olivier Awards, 61 Tonys and 3 BAFTAs.

Back to Productions PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL PADDINGTON The Musical will begin performances this autumn at the Savoy Theatre. "It’s an honour to be entrusted to bring the story of Paddington to life on stage with the very best of creative collaborators in Jessica, Luke, and our producers Sonia and Eliza. This unique and special bear is at the very heart of our nation, and I’m aware of the awesome responsibility we all have in taking on his story. It’s beyond exciting, and an absolute dream come true – we look forward to welcoming you to join us at the Savoy this Autumn." Tom Fletcher BOOK HERE. Adapted from the much-loved books written by Michael Bond , and the award-winning films by STUDIOCANAL, with music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher, book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard , priority booking will open on the 13 May, with public on sale on 15 May. "It's such a privilege to be telling the story of this beloved cultural icon. Paddington is so much more than a fictional character; this special bear has come to represent hope, kindness and acceptance, so it's never felt like a more apt time to bring this story to the stage. And with such a dream team! Tom's songs are extraordinary, earworms on a first listen, Luke is the most masterful director, and our producers are so incredibly passionate and dedicated, it really is a great honour to be on this adventure with them all. I can't wait to share this beautiful, funny and heartwarming story." Jessica Swale Sonia Friedman Productions , STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK are bringing the PADDINGTON The Musical world premiere this autumn - opening at the Savoy Theatre on 1 November. "Discovering how to bring Paddington’s story to the stage continues to be an enormous privilege - with Jessica Swale and Tom Fletcher, it’s been thrilling to see this show grow into something very special, packing an incredible new score and a heart wrenching script into a marmalade filled suitcase. This is Paddington as you’ve never seen him before, bought to life by a team celebrating all of the magic and wonder of live theatre. Alongside our producers Sonia Friedman and Eliza Lumley, who look after this bear with the greatest care, we’ve been dreaming up big things for Paddington and can’t wait to welcome him to this iconic venue later this year." Luke Sheppard CAST TIMI AKINYOSADE - Tony DELILAH BENNETT-CARDY - Judy Brown AMY BOOTH-STEEL - Lady Sloane TARINN CALLENDER - Grant ADRIAN DER GREGORIAN - Mr Brown TOM EDDEN - Mr Curry BRENDA EDWARDS - Tanya VICTORIA HAMILTON-BARRITT - Millicent Clyde TEDDY KEMPNER - Mr Gruber BONNIE LANGFORD - Mrs Bird AMY ELLEN RICHARDSON - Mrs Brown JOSEPH BRAMLEY - Jonathan LEO COLLON - Jonathan STEVIE HARE - Jonathan JASPER ROWSE - Jonathan CREATIVES Adapted from the much-loved books written by MICHAEL BOND TOM FLETCHER – Music and lyrics JESSICA SWALE – Book LUKE SHEPPARD – Director MATT BRIND - Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements ELLEN KANE - Choreographer TOM PYE - Scenic Designer GABRIELLA SLADE - Costume Designer TBC - Paddington Bear Designer NEIL AUSTIN - Lighting Designer GARETH OWEN - Sound Designer ASH J WOODWARD - Video Designer CAMPBELL YOUNG ASSOCIATES - Hair, Wig & Make-Up Designer MAJID ADIN - Illustration and Additional Animation LAURA BANGAY - Musical Director NATALIE GALLACHER CDG for PIPPA AILION and NATALIE GALLACHER CASTING - Casting Director NICK HOCKADAY - Young Persons' Casting Director JAVIER MARZAN - Physical Comedy Consultant TOBAGO AND D-LIME - Additional Music Consultants