“I’m hoping that they just saw Paddington as Paddington.” As Paddington: The Musical opens in London, Tarah Zafar - who designed the stage puppet - says the team wanted to keep the ‘lightness’ of the original illustrations. Today programme | Listen on BBC Sounds Photo credit: PA | BBC Radio 4

【Discover Japanese Puppet Theater 🎎】 Awaji Puppet Theater dates back over 500 years, playing a major role in the history of Japanese performing arts. It peaked during the 18th century, when over 40 puppet troupes toured around Japan. Awaji Puppet Theater is specialized in period plays, featuring gorgeously lavish puppet costumes as well as quick changes in costumes and sets right on the stage. You can watch a Japanese puppet performance at the Awaji Puppet Theater Center in Minamiawaji, where s