Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of joining fellow theatre-lovers at the launch event for the musical adaptation of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Set to transfer to London’s West End in January 2026, the production promises to be something profoundly human and full of heart.

The story, familiar to many, follows Harold Fry – an ordinary man who embarks on an extraordinary journey on foot across the UK after he receives a message from his old friend Queenie. Meanwhile, his wife Maureen begins her own inward journey of reflection and rediscovery. With Rachel Joyce’s original novel already beloved by many for its themes of connection, second chances and, of course, love, expectations for the musical adaptation are understandably high. But after hearing about its sold-out run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and experiencing the palpable excitement in the room at this week’s launch, I have high hopes that the show will strike a chord which it opens at the Theatre Roal Haymarket in January.

The launch was held at The Barrel Project, a delightfully quirky venue, complete with barrel-lined walls and beers renamed in honour of Harold Fry’s pilgrimage. Host Gaby Roslin set the tone perfectly, describing the musical as “the show we all need right now”, before handing the microphone to indie musician Passenger, who has written the show’s score as his first foray into the world of musical theatre. He performed ‘Keep on Walking Mr Fry’, a moving glimpse of what’s to come – intimate and emotional storytelling.

We also heard from Mark Addy, who brings Harold Fry himself to life onstage, and from author Rachel Joyce, who spoke about why this story continues to resonate so deeply with audiences. A surprise highlight was meeting the show’s four-legged scene-stealer – an impressive puppet simply named Dog, brought to life by puppeteer Timo Tatzbur. Finally came the exciting announcement that Noah Mullins will make his West End debut, playing the role of The Balladeer – a narrator-like figure guiding the story. Mullins marked the occasion with two wonderful performances, including the show’s closing number ‘One for the Road’. All the songs we were treated to merge Passenger’s lyrical, folk-infused flare for songwriting with the emotional storytelling of musical theatre.

I’ll always love a bit of West End razzle-dazzle, but I’m equally drawn to theatre that feels more relevant and honest, and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry looks set to deliver exactly that. The songs we heard were heartfelt and catchy, and the way that the creative team soke about the project radiated pride and excitement. 

So, if you find yourself in London in early 2026 and you’re looking for a show with ambition, warmth, and a lot of heart, make sure to mark your calendar for this one. I know I will be.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will be performing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 29 January – 18 April 2026. Tickets here.