The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
7th February 2026
★★★★
After a sold-out run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is enjoying a limited run in London’s West End. It is a new musical adaption of Rachel Joyce’s multi million-selling novel about an ordinary man, Harold Fry, who was never meant to be a hero until a letter from a long-lost friend sends him out the front door and on a journey – a pilgrimage of love, redemption, and second chances.
Mark Addy leads this splendid show brilliantly and takes the whole audience on an emotional journey alongside him. He totally embodies Harold Fry every moment he is onstage. Noah Mullins makes their UK debut as David and is superb. Their unique vocals help navigate Harold’s journey and the later scenes when the audience comes to find out the truth about Harold’s son are tense and powerful. Jenna Russell portrays an honest view of a housewife lost to grief and her vocals are full of sentiment. The entire cast work very hard, often taking on various roles throughout the show. A special mention must also go to Timo Tatzber who brings Dog to life with the puppetry skills.
The snapshots into the past work really well to give the audience a true insight into Harold’s previous life and connection with Queenie. The set by Samuel Wyer is cleverly designed to mimic that of rolling hills and streets and countless set pieces which are moved on and off stage seamlessly. The video design by Ash J Woodward really helps bring the story together, allowing the audience to truly believe the journey. It is especially effective during some of the darker moments in the musical to add tension and drama.
Katy Rudd’s direction brings all of the characters to life. It is hard to embark on a journey of over 500 miles on a single stage with no set changes but together with the excellent video projections and the ever changing cast roles she does just that. It is the small details that really pulls this production together such as the barrels which used throughout the show – a link to Harold’s job at the Brewery and Harold’s original outfit changing subtly throughout the show to give the impression of the length of the journey undertaken. From the muted costumes of the ensemble who are ever watching to the loud, lively characters that Harold meets along the way every detail has been thought of.
The music by the chart-topping indie musician Passenger adds to the emotion and storytelling but isn’t especially memorable. At times the near constant rhyming of the lyrics grates. The first act feels slightly too long, however the second act is much darker and tense as the audience finally finds out the true reason for the pilgrimage to Queenie. Tom Jackson Greaves’ choreography is fitting with the story and performed excellently by the talented cast.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is certainly a journey of emotions and with the storytelling being so unique and engaging it is hard to not get taken in by Harold’s moving quest. Featuring a brilliant cast led by Mark Addy, clever and quirky characters and a whole lot of heart this is a great show to catch during its limited run in London.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until the 18th April 2026. For more information and tickets click here.
Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton
Musical Manda 
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