The critically acclaimed new musical held its World Premiere at the Chichester Festival Theatre earlier this year, where it sold out the entire season and opened to 5-star reviews and ovations.
Artwork for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Performances of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will begin at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 29 January 2026.
Described as funny, deeply moving and uplifting, the new musical was adapted by Rachel Joyce from her multi-million selling novel, with “a ravishing score” (The Times) by the chart-topping indie musician, Passenger (Let Her Go).
Recreating their roles from the premiere at Chichester Festival Theatre are Mark Addy (The Full Monty, The Rig and Game of Thrones) as Harold and Jenna Russell (Sunday in the Park with George, Hello, Dolly) as Maureen. Further casting for the West End transfer is to be announced soon.
Rachel Joyce said: ‘ I couldn’t be more thrilled that this joyful show has found a home in the West End. I never imagined, when I first wrote the book, that it would become a musical one day, and never in my wildest dreams did I think it might find a home in one of my favourite theatres – the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, which I have known and loved since I was a child. Passenger’s music and lyrics are perfect for this story of hope, as is Katy Rudd’s magical direction.’
Directed by Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes, National Theatre), The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tells a moving story of a recently retired man who receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply, but keeps walking. From South Devon to Berwick upon Tweed, Harold Fry reflects on his past, reconnects with life, and discovers the healing power of hope and redemption.
Completing the creative team is designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves, orchestration and additional music by Jeremy Holland-Smith, musical supervisor and additional music by Phil Bateman, lighting designer is Paule Constable, sound designers Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, casting director is Anna Cooper CDG, musical director Chris Poon.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will play at Theatre Royal Haymarket from 29 January to 18 April 2026.
