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Paddington The Musical performer steps into a lead role with only four hours rehearsal and “saves the show”
Rose Mary O’Reilly took on a role she didn’t cover with one short rehearsal to make sure that the show could go ahead
A magical theatre moment happened on Monday night when Rose Mary O’Reilly, cast member at Paddington The Musical, stepped into the role of Millicent Clyde when multiple other cast members were unavailable. O’Reilly, who covers other tracks in the show, had never played or even rehearsed the role of the show’s leading villain when she volunteered to make sure that the performance could go ahead.
With just four hours rehearsal, O’Reilly was entirely off-book as Millicent Clyde and delivered musical numbers including ‘Pretty Little Dead Things’. Producer Sonia Friedman made an onstage statement before the performance, and after a successful debut, O’Reilly was given flowers and champagne by the company during the curtain call.
Producers Friedman and Eliza Lumley said in a statement: “We are beyond grateful to Rose who, when it became clear that we might have to cancel last night’s performance, extraordinarily volunteered to step into Millicent Clyde’s shoes.
“With Victoria Hamilton-Barritt on holiday abroad and, for various reasons, all three of our Millicent covers unable to perform, Rose – who was not a cover for Millicent – had just four hours yesterday afternoon to learn the entire role. She then went on completely off-book, knowing every word, every musical note, every move, and the complete character arc. What she achieved was quite simply astonishing.
“It was also an extraordinary company effort – fellow cast members, our music department, associate creatives, stage management, wardrobe, wigs, crew, sound and the SFP team all pulled together to support her and make sure the performance could go ahead.
“Rose quite literally saved the show and, in doing so, gave 1,100 people a performance they will never forget. It was one of those very rare nights in the theatre when everyone in the building knew they were witnessing something truly special.”
On Instagram, O’Reilly wrote: “The craziest 24 hours of my life, there are no words to describe how I am feeling right now. I am so overwhelmed by all the love and support I have received it means the absolute world to me. Playing a role like Millicent Clyde is something I have dreamed of for as long as I can remember.
“To the company of Paddington The Musical… where do I begin. There are no words for how grateful I am for you all. The cast, the stage managers, the band, musical directors, the dressers, wham, everyone in that building last night held me up. I have never felt such encouragement and love. The company filled me with the bravery and self-belief I needed to step on that stage. I will never ever forget everything you have all done for me.”
O’Reilly also revealed that her family had been in the theatre to see her performance. ”Having you all there in the audience just felt too good to be true,” she wrote.
Paddington The Musical features music by Tom Fletcher, a book by Jessica Swale and direction by Luke Sheppard. The show, based on Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington books and the Paddington films, won seven Olivier Awards at this year’s ceremony, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for usual Millicent Clyde actress Victoria Hamilton-Barritt.
Paddington The Musical is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre until 13 February 2027 – find tickets here
