POSTED: 17 JANUARY 2011

The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington, by Alfred Bradley & Michael Bond

Genesian Theatre, Sydney | Until 30 January

Who’s that handsome bear from faraway Peru? Paddington! What’s his name? PADDINGTON!!

Judging by the delighted response from the young audience, it looks like the wish of Shane Bates, Director of The Adventures of a Bear called Paddington — “to ensure that a new generation are happily introduced to his all-time favourite children’s character” — has come true.

Paddington Bear (Hal Conyngham), that well intentioned but bumble-footed character, charms the littlies with goofy banter and much muddle-headed thinking — and there’s plenty there to keep the adults entertained as well.

Paddington is helped along with spirited singing and dancing from the cast. Especially amusing is the washing machine ballet (Jennifer Courtney Bain and Amy Roberts), which went down a treat with my junior companion, grandson Yogi. And Mr Gruber (Rod Stewart) got a thumbs up for his singing performance as well.

Mr Curry (Paul Cashman) maintained a fine grumble and provided great fodder for the Narrator (Rowena McNicol) in her sterling role to lead the audience response in shouts and groans.

Altogether an entertaining introduction to Paddington Bear — and to theatre — for the tiny tots.

Hal Conyngham as Paddington ... Charms the littlies with goofy banter and much muddle-headed thinking.