Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Teen lands Paddington role
A schoolgirl from Chartham has been cast alongside James Bond star Ben Whishaw in a new Paddington Bear TV series. Canterbury Academy pupil Sabrina Newton-fisher - a huge fan of the marmalade-loving character - auditioned for Adventures of Paddington in her parents’ bathroom.
The 13-year-old will voice Judy Brown in the series and is one of the backing singers on the theme tune - which was written and performed by Gary Barlow. “I’m really excited to see how the series will look now it’s been all put together,” she said. Sabrina got the call for an audition and had to send in a voice recording.
“I took my iphone into my parents’ bathroom and recorded my voice as the acoustics are much better there,” she said. Sabrina had three rounds of auditions in London before bagging the role.
She plays Mr Brown’s daughter, Judy, in Michael Bond’s tale of Paddington, who is adopted by the family after leaving his home in Darkest Peru. Paddington is voiced by Ben Whishaw in the TV show, following his portrayal of the world-famous bear in two bigscreen films.
Sabrina had 23 recording sessions for the series at a studio in London’s Soho.
She added: “I was nervous at first but everyone was really kind so I soon felt relaxed and enjoyed the role.
“I’ve loved Paddington since I can remember and have watched both the movies. “I had a bunch of Paddington books where I was younger and remember a favourite story about Paddington enjoying an ice-cream sundae. I loved being Judy Brown and I’m really hoping there will be a second series.”
Sabrina’s love of stage began when she appeared in the musical Oliver! at the Marlowe Theatre in 2014 and from performing in the annual talent show at Chartham Primary School. The Adventures of Paddington is on TV channel Nick Jr at 7.30am and 4.30pm every weekday.