Management grad wins casting award for Paddington: The Musical
Monday 30 March 2026
Management graduate Natalie Gallacher (2005) has won a WhatsOnStage Award as part of the casting team behind Paddington: The Musical.
Alongside Annabelle Davis and Nick Hockaday, she picked up Best Casting Direction at this year’s ceremony at the London Palladium on 8 March.
The WhatsOnStage Awards, voted for entirely by the public, recognise the very best of UK theatre.
We caught up with Natalie to talk about the award, working on Paddington and her time at LIPA.
How did it feel to win the award for best casting direction for Paddington: The Musical?
It's an amazing feeling for casting directors to be recognised in theatre so to have the honour of winning this award, for this show in particular, was quite overwhelming. I've been part of the creative team on Paddington for quite a few years and we always knew it was going to be a special piece of theatre so we're all thrilled by the response the show has received. And so well deserved.
When you think about Paddington - the process and the production - what are you most proud of?
I'm proud of what it stands for; kindness and generosity. That message is so important. The process was joyful as you can't hear that music, read the script or see the bear without beaming! It's an incredibly special piece. And I'm so pleased I was asked to be part of the team.
Is there something you learnt at LIPA that has been particularly useful in your career?
Being part of a team, helping each other out and problem solving. The different modules as part of my course that I did at LIPA were also super helpful towards my career. I did a module in directing, was a company manager at the Edinburgh Fringe and was front of house manager during my years there. All of those gave me excellent skills to take into this profession. As well as learning about the legalities, contracting etc.
What advice would you give to performers ahead of an audition?
Be well prepared. Follow the brief given and prep the material in advance. Try not to be too nervous, you're in the room for a reason so believe that and do the best you can do. We're looking for potential, not the finished article! That's what rehearsals are for.
What's next for you?
Currently I'm in Billy Elliot auditions, finishing off Death Note for the Barbican and then go into our recast auditions for Moulin Rouge and Paddington. So busy, busy, busy!!
