‘There is so much that audiences will enjoy’
Tom Edden knew he wanted to be an actor early on: ‘Probably when I was very small when I realised that showing off came with instant attention and gratification! But as I grew up my knowledge and interest in theatre matured; thanks to a dedicated drama teacher my experience pointed my passions in one direction.’ That direction turned out to be South East London and the noted Rose Bruford Drama College in Sidcup, writes Michael Holland.
‘As students we all ended up living around Lewisham, New Cross and Greenwich. Then fifteen years ago, when I bought a flat, I chose Blackheath.’
Tom waxes lyrically about ‘the green space of the Heath, Greenwich Park, the village feel of Blackheath and being not too far from the river,’ adding randomly ‘I also have a fondness for the Blackheath tea hut.’
A standard question in these interviews is whether an actor prefers stage or screen, but I’ve never had this response before: ‘Work is the prize whether it’s on stage or screen’.
Tom did, though, express stage as a favourite when pressed: ‘At its best, an experience with a live audience in a show you’re proud of, is really unbeatable.’ He described the role that kickstarted his career: ‘I’d been grafting away for my twenties and then I got a small but very showy role as an octogenarian waiter in the comedy ‘One Man Two Guvnors’ with James Corden. That was such a huge hit that it catapulted me from relative obscurity to being in a show that the world and his wife saw and remembered. It was like riding a fantastic wave for two years, from the National Theatre, to the West End to Broadway.’
In recent times, Tom has enjoyed Waiting For Godot, with Ben Wishaw – ‘a very challenging but hugely rewarding experience’; Cyrano De Bergerac with James McAvoy, ‘because it was such an exciting adaptation and concept that audiences really went crazy for it’, and ‘Crazy For You’, ‘the joyful Gershwin musical in the West End because it was such a happy show to be part of.’
A memorable theatrical moment for Tom was working with his friend David Benson. ‘We played waiters together in the most chaotic and hilarious restaurant scene in ‘One Man Two Guvnors’, and, together with James Corden, I’ve probably never had as much fun or made as much mess on stage.’
On the screen, Tom also has tales to tell: ‘I had an incredibly stimulating and fascinating time working on Mike Leigh’s film ‘Mr Turner’ starring the great Timothy Spall as the genius painter. It was a privilege to watch those two masters at work.’
And now Tom can soon be seen in Paddington: The Musical. I wanted to know how he felt when he got the part.
‘Excited of course! I’ve never originated a role in a new musical before, let alone a new British musical. The songs by Tom Fletcher are so infectious and joyful – I know audiences will fall in love with them. There is so much that audiences will enjoy in this production; the design is magical, the cast is incredible and, of course, we mustn’t forget the furry star of the show.’
Tom will play Mr Curry. I asked about his character.
‘Well, making friends isn’t exactly Mr Curry’s special skill. He’s the nosy, interfering neighbour nobody wants and is very animated by the appearance of a bear from Peru who definitely doesn’t meet Mr Curry’s neighbourhood watch regulations. But he’s a pussy cat, really, and just needs an act of kindness to cut through the layers of scepticism.’
Rehearsals are underway right now and Tom is loving it: ‘The cast is so wonderful and talented, as are the multitude of creative departments bringing this amazing show together; the music, props, costumes – everything! It’s amazing to see it come together and I don’t know if I’ve ever been part of such a huge operation.’
Tom’s excitement was infectious and he could see that I was just as excited to see Tom and the cast in this new adventure for the Peruvian bear.
‘It’s as if this show is made for south Londoners,’ he began. ‘It’s a love letter to this amazing city AND,’ he emphasised, ‘it’s at the wonderful Savoy Theatre which is only five minutes walk from Charing Cross!! Perfect!’
Perfect indeed. My train ticket is booked from SE London to Charing Cross!
Savoy Theatre from November 1st 2025 – May 25th 2026.
Booking and full details: https://paddingtonthemusical.com/
