British Theatre
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry comes to London's Theatre Royal Haymarket with music and lyrics by Passenger
Musicals 0 Now booking

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Share

About the show

Mark Addy and Jenna Russell star in Rachel Joyce's bestselling novel turned moving new musical with a ravishing score by Passenger. Book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets at Theatre Royal Haymarket for this joyous celebration of hope and second chances.

What is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry about?

Harold Fry – grey, tired and lonely – receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply. And keeps walking. From South Devon to Berwick upon Tweed, leaving his bewildered wife Maureen behind. Because Harold is trying to make up for lost time, confront the ghosts in his past, and – perhaps – keep someone alive.

As word spreads of his unlikely pilgrimage, a whole company of lost souls join him on his quest. And the horizons for both Harold and Maureen open wider than they could ever have imagined. Adapted by Rachel Joyce from her multi-million selling novel, with a "ravishing score" (The Times) by chart-topping indie musician Passenger, this is a joyous celebration of hope, kindness and second chances. Book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets at Theatre Royal Haymarket!

Why should I book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets?

Following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, this "pitch-perfect musical" (The Times) transfers to the West End with its original stars. BAFTA-winner Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Game of Thrones) plays Harold, with Olivier Award-winner Jenna Russell (Sunday in the Park with George, Hello, Dolly!) as Maureen. Noah Mullins (Hadestown) makes his West End debut as The Balladeer.

Directed by Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes, The Ocean at the End of the Lane) with Passenger's folk-pop score including songs from his album "One For The Road," this uplifting musical celebrates kindness, hope and the extraordinary within the ordinary. Don't miss this strictly limited 11-week season!

Is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry similar to other London musicals?

Fans of intimate, emotionally resonant musicals may also enjoy other productions at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Cancellation policy: theatre tickets cannot be cancelled, exchanged, or refunded once purchased.

Cast & Creatives

Who is in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry cast?

Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Game of Thrones) stars as Harold Fry, with Jenna Russell (Sunday in the Park with George, Hello, Dolly!) as Maureen Fry. Noah Mullins (Hadestown, Rent) makes his West End debut as The Balladeer. The cast also includes Peter Polycarpou, Maggie Service as Queenie Hennessey, Craig Armstrong, Jenna Boyd, Daniel Crossley, Nell Martin, Nicole Nyarambi, Gleanne Purcell-Brown, Ashley Samuels, Madeleine Worrall and Timo Tatzber.

Who created The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry has a book by Rachel Joyce (based on her novel), music and lyrics by Passenger (Mike Rosenberg), and is directed by Katy Rudd. The creative team includes design by Samuel Wyer, choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves, lighting by Paule Constable, sound design by Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker, video design by Ash J Woodward and musical supervision by Phil Bateman.

Recognition

Rachel Joyce's novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and has sold over three million copies worldwide. The 2023 film adaptation starred Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. The musical premiered to sold-out houses at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2025, with The Times calling it a "pitch-perfect musical" with "a ravishing score."

Frequently asked questions

What age is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry suitable for?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is suitable for ages 10 and above. The story deals with themes of mortality

regret

reconciliation and hope.

How long is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry runs approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including one interval. Book tickets now – the show runs 29 January to 18 April 2026!

How do I get to Theatre Royal Haymarket?

Theatre Royal Haymarket is located at 18 Suffolk Street

London SW1Y 4HT. The nearest Underground stations are Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines)

both approximately a 5-minute walk.

Theatre Policies

Photography and video recording are not permitted during The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry performances. Mobile phones must be switched off before the show begins.

Accessibility at Theatre Royal Haymarket

Theatre Royal Haymarket offers wheelchair accessible seating and accessible facilities. Please note there are 65 steps to the Upper Circle and Gallery. Contact the venue when booking tickets for specific accessibility requirements.

Facilities

The theatre features bars and refreshment facilities. Group rates available for 10+ on Monday to Wednesday (£99/£80 seats reduced to £49.50).

When is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry at Theatre Royal Haymarket?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry runs 29 January to 18 April 2026 at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Book tickets now!

Who plays Harold Fry?

Mark Addy stars as Harold

reprising his acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre performance.

Who wrote the music?

The music and lyrics are by Passenger (Mike Rosenberg)

the chart-topping indie musician known for "Let Her Go."

Is it based on the book?

Yes

Rachel Joyce adapted the musical from her bestselling 2012 novel of the same name.

Venue

Theatre Royal Haymarket

18 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HT

View venue
Tube

Piccadilly Theatre, Leicester Square

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 40, 176

Parking

MasterPark Whitcomb Street. NCP Denman Street, Leicester Place. Trafalgar, Chinatown (Q Park scheme).

Theatre Royal Haymarket seating plan

You might also like

View all →

Related articles

British Theatre News: 20 October to 24 October 2025

News

British Theatre News: 20 October to 24 October 2025

UK theatre news 20 to 24 October 2025: Othello opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket with David Harewood and Toby Jones as the West End's autumn season deepens.

J

James Whitworth

News & Reviews

Theatre Royal Haymarket: History and Visiting

News

Theatre Royal Haymarket: History and Visiting

Theatre Royal Haymarket: history, auditorium guide, best seats and practical visitor information for one of the most celebrated theatres in London's West End.

S

Sophie Hartley

News & Reviews

Waiting for Godot Review Roundup

Review

Waiting for Godot Review Roundup

Whishaw and Msamati Shine in Beckett’s Classic at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

S

Susan Novak

News & Reviews

£32

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Type to search...