If you think Paddington Bear is a has-been character from the 50’s, my friend you are dead wrong! Although children of today are more likely to be watching Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers doing whatever it is they do on the Disney Channel, it is somewhat of a comfort to know that there is still a healthy subscription to the quaint and more innocent old school
In recent times Paddington has been quite the busy bee. He is the inspiration for a musical spectacular by the Cascade Symphony Orchestra, which debuted last Saturday at the Edmonds Center for the Arts in Washington, USA. The anthropomorphised bear has been constantly liaising with creatives behind the project to ensure his core values of politeness and ‘trying hard to get things right’ are accurately represented in this musical adaptation of his life.
Paddington Bear, or Paddington Brown as he is properly called, was also the official patron of The World’s Original Marmalade Festival, which took place over Valentine’s Day weekend at Dalemain Mansion and Gardens in Cumbria. Paddington’s well-documented affinity for marmalade sandwiches made him the natural choice for the face of the festival. The event celebrates the age-old British institution that is marmalade, inviting passionate marmalade-makers to enter their produce in any of several categories, with all proceeds going to Hospice at Home, a dedicated nursing service which provides care to terminally ill people.
In another charitable venture Paddington has collaborated with a multitude of other animated celebrities, such as Postman Pat, Bob the Builder, Spongebob Square Pants and the Teletubbies, to form an Animated All Star Band, which is set to record a medley of familiar songs with some fresh lyrics to raise funds for the BBC’s Children in Need Appeal. Our favourite duffel-coated friend is also the figurehead for Action Medical Research.
Paddington, the real thing. Photo by Paddington, the real thing.Photo by brianandjaclyn on Flikr.
Despite his extensive philanthropic work, Paddington should not be confused for a saint, as he has been involved in his fair share of controversy. Fans were outraged when their hero appeared in a Marmite commercial, accusing him of selling out. In a letter to The Times Paddington’s boss and original creator Michael Bond quelled rumours that Paddington had abandoned his signature favourite preserve: “I have to report that although Paddington found the sandwich interesting, bears are creatures of habit,” he said.
Paddington is as loved today as he was 50 years ago when he first immigrated from darkest Peru. Upon arrival he considered going to see a Paddington estate agent, until the Brown family offered to house him for free, where he has lived ever since. Paddington bear books, toys and DVDs will continue to enthrall children for many years to come.