Before it ever set foot in New York, Paddington became the most awarded new musical in the history of London's West End. It won seven 2026 Olivier Awards, tying the record for the most wins by any musical in Olivier history, including Best New Musical and Best Director.

The story is the one you love: a small, lost bear from Peru arrives in London in search of a place to call home. A chance encounter with the Brown family turns into something bigger, a tale about how kindness changes lives and strangers become family.

On stage, Paddington himself is a technical marvel. The production brings the bear to life through a state-of-the-art robotic puppet head worn by a performer, with a separate offstage performer providing his voice, and critics have called the effect completely convincing.

We'll meet for drinks and snacks nearby before the show, then settle in together. Field Trip events are intentionally small, so it's easy to actually meet people and have a real conversation.

Where are the seats?

We'll be seated together as a group in the mid/rear Orchestra at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

Do people usually come alone?

Yes. Most attendees come solo, looking to meet other people who love theater around NYC.

How long does the event last?

We'll meet about an hour before the show for drinks. The show itself runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission.

Why this show?

Paddington arrives in New York as a bona fide phenomenon. It played to five-star reviews in London, swept the Oliviers, and Broadway anticipation has been building since the "Have you seen this bear?" posters started appearing all over the Theater District.