The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Theatre Royal Haymarket

There was NOT one dry eye in the theatre! A wholesome and uplifting musical about healing, and it's your turn to join the pilgrimage. This is THE show to watch in 2026.

Are you looking for a piece of theatre that takes you on a journey of a lifetime? This is exactly what The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is.

This musical is what the world needs right now, instilling hope into audiences, finding beauty in a difficult situation, and reminding audiences of the importance of healing. It's no wonder it was so successful at the Chichester Festival Theatre last year; Passenger's music, combined with Rachel Joyce's story, crafts this incredibly heart-warming piece of theatre, giving the audience a couple of hours to unite with others in the theatre as they join Harold on his Pilgrimage. You'll laugh, cry and smile, leaving the theatre uplifted and thoughtful. The message and the feeling it displays are something kind and filled with positivity. When you feel surrounded by negativity, this really does take you on a journey to lift your spirits, focus on the beauty of the world and fill you with gratitude for the lessons we learn in life. It'll make you chuckle whilst reflecting!

Since the launch, I've been listening to the audiobook on and off to keep me company. I was so entranced by the taster and Rachel Joyce's writing. So this review is coming from a perspective that has a slight understanding of the book and expectations for the show. The book often talks about what Harold and Maureen were thinking and feeling. The musical opens up the two characters and gives you an insight into their character arc, and their progress is clear. Giving them songs made their thoughts more visual. Mark Addy plays Harold; his casting was not what I expected. However, he widened my imagination of what Harold's character is. When you read a book, you form an idea of what a character might act like and look like. Addy actually played Harold in a way I didn't expect, but I loved it more because it made Fry's story make more sense to me. He gave the character a bluntness that at times created comedy, but also showed how Harold doesn't always know how to put his emotions into words and may give off an impression he does not intend. Maureen, played by the wonderful Jenna Russell, is portrayed in a caring but fierce manner. At times, I want to see her a little more stern, so when she backtracks, it's a bit clearer how she cares for Harold, but they have this rift that's been growing for years and years. They are a marvellous and strong pair, though, contrasting each other well and showing how they eventually heal together.

The Balladeer and Harold's son, David, is played by Noah Mullins. The role, in a way, comes across a bit similar to 'Next To Normal'. However, the Balladeer is more based on Harold's thoughts, but at times it seems like he could be David, as he carries the heavy weight of his dysfunctional relationship with his son. There are scenes of flashback to their relationship at Harold's most difficult moments on the Pilgrimage; these bleed into real life as he will come out of these flashbacks shouting lines in the present day, and the other characters ask him if he is ok. This is especially shown through his relationship with the character 'Wilf' played by Ashley Samuels. Each character that enriches his journey gives him an experience that he needs on his healing journey, whilst helping him better understand himself. The heavy aspect of the story is always followed by a warm embrace of joy; it reminds the audience how life may have a downfall, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's worth the long trudge.

The movement aspects of the show was an aspect of the production that stood out. The folk nature of the movement made the aesthetic of the show very natural and powered by nature. This was also clear through the set aspects designed by Samuel Wyer. This went hand in hand with the choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves. I think I've found a new favourite choreographer, because the choreography in this show scratched my dance-loving itch, and so many different styles were performed incredibly well! On the subject of scratching itches, Dog is played by Timo Tatzbar, who is a part of the ensemble when he is not a dog. His attention to movement through choreography and character was something enchanting. He is a strong mover, which I personally feel makes for a better actor, because he understands his body and how movement is an important element when creating a character. His portrayal of Dog is something special; he creates an entity, usually I disconnect from the puppeteer, but he brings something a bit extra to Dog and controls him in a way that makes him a part of dog and understanding Dog comes not only from the puppet but also from him. There is something that sticks in my mind, that is when Dog runs away from Harold, is that it for the two? I hoped he was going to be Harold's pet, but was he just a part of his journey, or is he always to be a lone wolf? I do like this aspect in a way, that each person who comes in and out of Harold's journey is a lesson about how people come in and our lives, providing a lesson and then leaving.

You need to get yourselves to the Theatre Royal Haymarket to see this show. This feels like the show of 2026 so far! It has a range of elements that would appeal to every audience member in many different ways. It’s an emotive journey that nourishes the audience with hope and positivity, which is something the world needs right now. If you ask me, Dog is one of the most iconic elements of the show that adds to the wholesome feeling of the show. Passengers' music is a diamond element, as it helps connect the audience’s emotions. This show is just nothing less than incredible; it brings people together in such a special way, and although it covers some really tough subjects, it really protects the audience. It's an emotional outlet that we all need. What a beauty! You can't fault it at all; it's got heart and a cast of dedicated and united performers. The joy this show provides is infectious and captivating.