One of the nation's favourite TV bear characters who shared afternoon tea with the late Queen Elizabeth II is heading to Blenheim Palace this summer.
Children will be able to join the famous marmalade loving Paddington Bear in an immersive outdoor adventure staged across the grounds of the palace in Woodstock.
PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION, as the attraction is called, will preview from June 27 and will play throughout the summer holidays, until September 3.
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It is described as the perfect day out for families who love to immerse themselves in live performance, puppetry, and outdoor adventure.
It has been created by London-based theatre company Histrionic Productions in collaboration with The Copyrights Group.
Adam McKenzie Wylie, founder of Histrionic Productions said: “After a hugely successful inaugural show at Blenheim Palace last summer for The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure, Histrionic Productions is delighted to be staging PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION this summer.
“The combination of Paddington, a cracking new story, full of entertainment, mishap and interactivity, and the beautiful surroundings of Blenheim Palace is perfect theatrical-alchemy for this family, immersive adventure for 2023.
“We are delighted to be back. It's the perfect summer day out for the whole family.
“Sheer excitement for all ages and perfect for lovers of trains, fire engines and of course, Paddington himself.”
The show will take audiences on foot through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to meet their favourite characters from the Paddington stories and search for ‘buried treasure’.
There will also be an opportunity to hop on board a real locomotive, subject to availability on the day.
At the end of the 55-minute adventure, families will be able to enjoy free arts and crafts-based activities, and visit the Paddington gift shop, as well as food and drink at the many restaurants and cafés around Blenheim Palace.
There will also be the chance to have an official photo with Paddington.
Heather Carter, managing director of visitor attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: “It’s fantastic to be hosting another memorable and unique family experience at Britain’s Greatest Palace, following on from the success and popularity of Peter Rabbit last summer.”
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Polly Emery, senior vice president brand and international licensing of the Copyrights Group added: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Histrionic Productions for a second Paddington adventure, this time on the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace.
“PADDINGTON LO-COMMOTION is the perfect summer day out for all Paddington fans and little adventurers who share Paddington’s appetite for discovery and outdoor fun.”
The show will be directed and written by Calum Finlay and designed by Damien Stanton, both of whom collaborated with puppetry designer Jimmy Grimes.
If visitors wish to enter Blenheim Palace on the day, tickets will need to be booked separately.
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