Picture: Manuel Harlan
The producers of the critically acclaimed The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry have announced the location and dates for the previously announced West End transfer season.
After playing a sold-out world premiere run at Chichester Festival Theatre, the production will move to the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 29 January until 18 April 2026.
Based on Rachel Joyce’s 2012 best-seller, the stage musical adaptation of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry has a book by Joyce and features music and lyrics by the multi-award-winning and multi-platinum selling artist, Passenger (aka Mike Rosenberg).
Commenting on the musical’s London debut, 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.”
Directed by Rudd, the production will arrive in the West End with Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Much Ado About Nothing/Collaborators/London Assurance, National Theatre) and Jenna Russell (Sunday in the Park With George, West End/Broadway, Hello Dolly!, London Palladium) confirmed to reprise their performances as Harold and his wife, Maureen. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
The creative team for the production also includes designer Samuel Wyer, choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves, arranger and orchestrator Jeremy Holland-Smith, musical supervisor 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 casting director Anna Cooper. The stage adaptation of the original novel was co-created by Rachel Joyce, Peter Darling and Katy Rudd. The Chichester Festival Theatre production will be presented in the West End by Chris Harper Productions and Nick Sidi.
Angela Thomas
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