Being different is a good thing, Paddington actor Arti Shah tells son

Arti Shah said she will keep showing her son that “being different is a good thing” as she celebrated winning an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Paddington.

Shah and puppeteer James Hameed, who together bring the bear to life on the stage in Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, hailed the show’s reminders of kindness as they collected the award for best actor in a musical.

Hameed controls Paddington’s expressions and delivers his voice, while Shah embodies the character on stage.

During her acceptance speech on Sunday, Shah, who has also appeared in Star Wars films, told her son: “Mummy is gonna keep making you proud and I am gonna keep showing you that being different is a good thing.”

Her son appeared overjoyed at his mention and hid under his seat at the Royal Albert Hall, smiling before he climbed back on and shouted happily.

Shah has previously spoken out on social media about her anxiety surrounding bullies and her height at her son’s school.

Hameed hailed his father as his “very own Paddington” and reminded the audience that Paddington teaches people to be “welcoming, inquisitive and most importantly, kind”.

Hameed said: “I want to start by thanking my dad, my very own Paddington, who came to this country to have his own dream of building a life in this wonderful city of London.”

His father waved his hands and cheered loudly as his son held his award.