Rising star Delilah Bennett-Cardy on performing alongside Paddington

This charming young star is sharing the stage with the world’s most famous bear, and has her big screen debut on the way...

Summary

• Delilah Bennett-Cardy is starring as Judy in Paddington The Musical
• The musical has music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher and a book by Jessica Swale
• Bennett-Cardy will star in The Magic Faraway Tree on screen next year

For any performer, getting to star in a brand new West End musical is real bucket-list stuff — to say nothing of playing a leading role in a blockbuster new movie, The Magic Faraway Tree, out in cinemas next year. But the 17-year-old Paddington The Musical star Delilah Bennett-Cardy is taking it all in her stride — and relishing the chance to learn from the titans whom she is acting with.

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How are previews going on Paddington?
It’s going so well! It’s all worth it when we put on the show. Having the audience’s energy there makes everything make sense — you realise why you’re doing it. The reactions have been incredible. I knew Paddington was loved, but it’s been a surprise seeing how huge the show has become, both in the theatre and online. We always felt it was special in workshops and rehearsals, and I’m so glad that the cast and creatives’ love for Paddington translates to the stage and that the audience can share in it.

You are lucky enough to share the stage with so many West End legends. What has that been like?
It’s been amazing, and I’ve been so lucky. The best way to develop your skills is by watching and working with people who have that experience. I’ve never worked with a company so generous and kind. They’ve been especially generous to the younger cast, giving us space to work and share ideas so we can create this beautiful piece together — which feels very Paddington. And everyone is hilarious; the comedy in this show is incredible.

How does it feel being on stage with Paddington?
The first time I saw Paddington, I was a mess. It was so emotional. Arti and James [Arti Shah and James Hameed, who play onstage and offstage Paddington, respectively] bring him to life in such a special way that you just get lost in the bear. Sharing that with audiences after keeping it secret for so long has been amazing.

How did you get your start performing?
I started with dance, musical theatre, and drama classes at local schools. Getting an agent helped me audition for things like School of Rock and the RSC, which opened so many doors. I always knew I wanted to act — there was nothing else. Every experience has taught me something new. I love this job because no two roles are the same, and you’re always meeting new people.

You also recently filmed the big screen adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree. What can you tell us about that?
It was incredible. Working with Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, who play my parents, was such a learning opportunity — they’re so lovely and generous. For my first film project, I couldn’t have asked for better. Both that film and Paddington are based on beloved stories, and being part of bringing them to life has been so special. They’re stories about kindness and imagination, and I feel so lucky to work on projects I genuinely believe in.

What else are you excited to achieve in your career going forward?
One of my dream things in theatre was to originate a role, so getting to develop Judy from early on has been a huge bucket-list moment. I just want to keep doing different things — the next thing I do, I want it to be entirely different from anything I’ve done so far. That’s what I love about this industry: you keep moving forward and trying new things.

Book Paddington The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

This article first appeared in the December 2025 issue of London Theatre Magazine.

Photo credit: Delilah Bennett-Cardy. (Courtesy of production. Inset: Paddington. (Photo by Johan Persson)