A joyous and uplifting musical has started its limited journey at Theatre Royal Haymarket!
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the Musical is adapted from Rachel Joyce’s novel of the same name with music by chart topping musician Passenger. The story unfolds when Harold Fry (Mark Addy) receives a letter from a long-lost friend. This one act pushes Harold to leave his front door and keep walking: on a journey of love, kindness and finding the best in others. Meanwhile, Harold’s wife Maureen (Jenna Russell) starts her own journey. To say I was I excited for this show was an understatement. Having followed the shows trajectory since the sold out Chichester Festival run: I was anticipating an amazing show. To add to my anticipation, Theatre Royal Haymarket is one of very few West End theatres I have never visited. After watching mainly plays in London, such as High Noon and Mrs President, I was also eager for a musical. I couldn’t think of a better show to visit for the first time.
Katy Rudd’s direction is brilliant throughout, with brilliant movement and dance on stage. The set is incredibly varied with lots of moving pieces that come in and out, which help to portray each new location Harold visits. The circular set works really well too to allow the performers enter from all angles. Another great feature included the costumes. As each time Harold meets a new person or transitions on his journey, the ensemble were varied costumes which help bring the piece together. This really work effectively with the lighting, especially in the Act 1 finale. I didn’t know the story of Harold Fry prior to watching the show which in a way, made it very exciting not knowing what would happen. I feel the show has similar vibes to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button which is perfect for the story it is telling.
Passenger was not a music artist I knew too well, only really knowing his major hits. However, he has really cultured and crafted the score for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry with great care and passion. You can hear in each song the great storytelling and each song gives its own flair. Some of my favourite songs from the score include ‘Walk Upon the Water’, ‘Such a Simple Thing’ and ‘Keep On Walking Mr Fry’. However, each of these songs I will be listening to on repeat for weeks to come after the show. I’d be curious to see if Passenger will continue to write for musical theatre, as I would love to see what else he creates.
The ensemble in this show have the unique role of playing many different characters, alongside being in the ensemble. This group of talented actors includes Craig Armstrong, Jenna Boyd, Daniel Crossley, Nell Martin, Nicole Nyarambi, Peter Polycarpou, Gleanne Purcell-Brown, Ashley Samuels, Maggie Service, Timothy Tatzber and Madeleine Worrall. All of these members of the ensemble are well adapted to their roles in the story, helping the overall journey continue. I thoroughly enjoyed each of them taking turns to sing songs, not knowing which character Harold would meet along his way. It is also great that the production allows the ensemble moments in the spotlight whilst also being apart of the bigger overall picture: working really well together. Stand out performances for me include Nyarambi giving a great vocal performance and the incredible puppetry from Tatzber as the dog. Talking of the dog, he is very cute throughout the show and many times the audience awed in his presence!
Noah Mullins plays The Balladeer, a figure who sings and helps navigate the story. Mullins’s vocals were insane throughout the show, showing a brilliant range in his voice. To help build this, Mullins had some great dancing sections which really fit the atmosphere of the music. I enjoyed his dynamic with Addy, especially during their relationship scenes. Jenna Russell plays Maureen Fry, the wife to Harold who learns to grow herself. Russell is a musical theatre star and has incredible vocals which are well utilised in this show. Her solos, especially ‘Such A Simple Thing’ were brilliant allowing for such a beautiful sequence on stage. I really felt for Russell’s Maureen as she plays her very realistically. Her dynamics with Addy work very well: showing a clear connection between the actors to make the story believable. Mark Addy plays Harold Fry, the titular character of the show. As he leaves home to post his letter, something comes over him and pushes the journey. Addy is able to portray such a genuine, kind and caring Harold who is empathetic and compassionate throughout the show. His dynamics with each character he meets turns into a semi-dream sequence full of music, making the whole interaction quite charming. Addy really understands the importance of Harold’s kindness and shows this, as well as his humour, very well throughout the show. His singing was also really good, though I was surprised Harold doesn’t sing as much throughout the journey. Regardless, Addy is able to lead this show incredibly well with both Mullins and Russell to support the navigate: making the perfect trio.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the musical continues to book till April 2026. We recommend booking now before it sells out!
Max
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