Five questions with Linzi Hateley of 'Paddington The Musical'

The West End icon, acclaimed for roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia!, and Mary Poppins, is now on stage with the world’s favourite bear.

Summary

• Linzi Hateley is starring as Mrs Bird in Paddington The Musical
• Her other stage credits include Oliver!, Les Misérables, and Mary Poppins
• She takes over from stage star Bonnie Langford, who originated the role of Mrs Bird

One of the youngest nominees for a Best Actress Olivier Award, Linzi Hateley has gone on to have an incredibly successful career, starring in long-running hits like Oliver!, Les Misérables, Chicago, Mary Poppins, and London Road. Now she takes over from Bonnie Langford in the smash-hit musical Paddington at the Savoy Theatre.

You have starred in so many iconic West End shows. What makes Paddington special?
That very special bear! The show has a wonderful message and is relatable to all ages. It’s also full of fantastic characters that bring this show to life. I’m lucky to be a small part of it.

Tell us how it felt when you met Paddington for the first time.
Emotional! It’s really hard to describe that overwhelming feeling when you first meet him. I just wanted to take him home and protect him.

Mrs Bird is a wonderful character with a brilliant outlook on life. What has playing her taught you?
That it’s never too late to learn a Scottish accent! (I am still working on it!) She is a wonderful character and I have been given the freedom to bring my own version of her to life.

Of all of your musical roles, which are the ones that have most stayed with you?
Playing Carrie on Broadway at 17 never leaves you. Of course playing the narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium will always be a highlight. More recently, playing Fran Fraser in The Little Big Things was a privilege and a responsibility I took very seriously. It was a great honour to play her and to tell Henry Fraser’s true story.

Mrs Bird tells us it is never too late — what are some of the adventures you are still planning?
I’d quite like a trip to New Zealand but I try not to plan too far ahead these days. I live in the moment and hold my family close. Paddington is rubbing off on me.

Book Paddington The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk