'The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry' to transfer to the West End

Rachel Joyce has adapted the new musical from her multi-million selling novel about the journey of retired pensioner Harold Fry, as he a begins a 600+ mile walk to see his old friend in a hospice.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will transfer to Theatre Royal Haymarket in the West End on 29 January, 2026, running until 18 April.

Rachel Joyce has adapted the new musical from her multi-million selling novel about the journey of retired pensioner Harold Fry, as he a begins a 600+ mile walk to see his old friend, who is suffering with cancer in a hospice.

The score is by indie musician, Passenger and the show is directed by Katy Rudd (Ballet Shoes, The Ocean at the End of the Lane).

Reprising their roles from the run 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 is yet to be announced.

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."

Passenger added: "I’m delighted that our journey with Harold Fry continues, and our musical is now heading to the West End. I love Rachel’s beautiful story and resonate deeply with the characters and the journeys they go on. When I was asked to write the music and lyrics for the musical, I instantly knew that it was something that I had to be a part of. It’s been a real labour of love - not just for me, but all of the amazing people involved in the production."

The creative team also includes designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves, arrangement orchestration and additional music by Jeremy Holland-Smith, musical supervision and additional music by Phil Bateman, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designers Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, video designer Ash J Woodward, musical director Chris Poon, and dramaturg Nick Sidi.

Check back for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Mark Addy and Jenna Russell in the Chichester Festival Theatre production of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. (Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)