Who designed the Paddington Bear puppet for the West End musical?

Tahra Zafar, a costume and creature effects designer, created the Paddington Bear puppet for the West End production of "Paddington: The Musical."

What notable creatures did Tahra Zafar design for films?

Tahra Zafar designed creatures such as Hedwig the owl and Scabbers the rat for the first Harry Potter film while working at the Jim Henson Creature Workshop.

What was Tahra Zafar's role in the London 2012 Olympic ceremonies?

Tahra Zafar was in charge of 23,000 costumes for the London 2012 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, a role that included ensuring accuracy for a royal stunt double's attire.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Paddington's Puppet Master: A Life in Design

Paddington's Puppet Master: A Life in Design

8 Feb

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Summary

Designed Paddington Bear puppet for West End musical.
Crafted creatures for Harry Potter and In the Night Garden.
Oversaw 23,000 costumes for London 2012 Olympic ceremonies.

Paddington's Puppet Master: A Life in Design

Tahra Zafar, a distinguished costume and creature effects designer, is celebrated for her work on the Paddington Bear puppet in the West End production of "Paddington: The Musical." Her immersion in the performing arts began early, influenced by her father, a choreographer, and her mother, a former ballerina. Zafar honed her skills studying theatre design before embarking on a career crafting theatre costumes.

Her experience expanded significantly at the Jim Henson Creature Workshop, where she contributed to iconic creatures for the first Harry Potter film, including Hedwig the owl and Scabbers the rat. Later, she designed characters for the children's program "In the Night Garden," with her daughter offering valuable feedback. Zafar's career reached a monumental scale when she led the design and execution of 23,000 costumes for the London 2012 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies. This significant role involved a special audience with Queen Elizabeth II to ensure accuracy for Her Majesty's stunt double's costume during the memorable Olympic opening skydive.