Location
West End, London

Hours
6 day working weeks (Wednesday to Monday)

Salary
Weekly rate paid via payroll (Negotiable)

About the Role
Sonia Friedman Productions is seeking a full-time experienced Resident Director (Maternity Cover) to work on the London production of PADDINGTON THE MUSICAL (Music and Lyrics by Tom Fletcher, Book by Jessica Swale. Based on "A Bear Called Paddington" written by Michael Bond and by Special Arrangement with STUDIOCANAL) at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End, running since November 2025.

Your duties and responsibilities will be those normally expected of a Resident Director on a first-class West End production. You will work closely with the Directors and Associate Director to deliver the creative vision of the production, as well as provide administrative support.

Key responsibilities include leading ad hoc rehearsals, show watching understudies’ first performances, casting and rehearsing new children as required, watching and noting the show at least four times per week, attending conferences, discussions, auditions, rehearsals and dress rehearsals as required on reasonable notice, facilitating post-show Q&A sessions in the absence of the Director, and any other tasks reasonably requested by the Producer or Director.

You will provide strong support to the Associate Director and liaise between multiple departments, so excellent communication skills are essential.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from those underrepresented in our workforce.

Start Date: August 2026
Contract Type: Fixed term maternity cover for up to nine months initially, or until the employee returns from maternity leave (subject to eight weeks’ notice), or for the run of the production, whichever is shorter, subject to two weeks’ notice by the Producers.

Please note all applicants must be able to commit to the full contract and have the right to work in the UK.

Experience
Proven experience as a Resident Director on a first-class West End production is essential.

About you
Excellent communication and organisational skills are required to liaise effectively between departments and support the Associate Director.
You must be adaptable, proactive, and able to work collaboratively within a fast-paced theatrical environment.
You should be committed to upholding the creative vision and maintaining high production standards.

Qualifications
Relevant professional theatre experience is required; formal qualifications are not specified but a strong track record in West End productions is expected.