Utterly winning': Paddington becomes first new West End musical to land nine WhatsOnStage awards

"This is the new Mary Poppins: a well-known story imaginatively staged, immaculately performed and utterly winning. The Guardian's theatre critic praised the state-of-the-art animatronics that bring the bear to life, along with some marvellous songs about marmalade, highlighting how Paddington successfully adapts a beloved story for the stage with creative staging and exceptional performances."

"Paddington has become the first new West End musical to land nine awards at the WhatsOnStage awards. The much-loved bear's first appearance on the boards has wowed critics and delighted audiences since it opened in December, and it is now one of the three most awarded shows in the WhatsOnStage ceremony's history alongside Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Miss Saigon."

"Rachel Zegler has won plaudits for her depiction of President Juan Peron's wife, including a celebrated off-stage balcony scene in which she sings Don't Cry For Me Argentina to passersby on the streets instead of to paying customers, demonstrating an innovative approach to staging this iconic musical moment."

Paddington has achieved unprecedented success at the WhatsOnStage awards, becoming the first new West End musical to secure nine awards since the ceremony's inception. The production, which opened in December, has garnered critical acclaim for its state-of-the-art animatronics and imaginative staging. Evita secured five awards, including best performer for Rachel Zegler, who delivered a celebrated performance including an off-stage balcony rendition of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina'. Richard II won two awards in the straight play categories, with Jonathan Bailey receiving best performer in a play. Les Misérables, the West End's longest-running musical, won best West End show at its 40th anniversary, while 13 Going on 30: The Musical received best regional production.

Read at www.theguardian.com