Discover what is being said about the West End transfer of Rachel Joyce and Passenger’s new musical.
WhatsOnStage: **** “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a rare beast: a musical that asks you to feel deeply without ever making you feel foolish for doing so. It has lost none of its power from its initial spell within the more intimate confines of the Minerva Theatre. By the time the final number starts, you aren’t just crying because the show told you to; you’re crying because you’ve seen so many facets of a couple, burdened by decades of mourning, finally able to let it go.”
The Standard: *** “Elsewhere the score, like the plot, defaults to the sort of generic you-can-do-it, anything-is-possible platitudes you might find on a motivational poster. I feel like a heel for gently putting the boot into this ambulant odyssey, but Harold Fry left me admiring rather than genuinely moved.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** “This is undoubtedly an outstanding production of a beautifully written show. The capacity of the Theatre Royal means that some of the intimacy of its original staging is a little lost. The impact of the big showbiz numbers, as well as some of the soul-searching solos, feels diminished due to distance from the stage and a few sight-line obstructions. But it still packs an emotional punch with staging and performances that will stay with you long after you’ve made your own journey home.”
The Stage: *** “Poignant British musical benefits from rich performances and atmospheric staging.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is life-affirming theatre, which captures the rich tapestry of British life, and through an assortment of characters (from an eastern European doctor, to a young, recovering drug addict) shows that everyone is carrying their own, hidden pain.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: **** “That being said, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a true delight to watch, start to finish. The story, performances and soundtrack had the entire theatre in tears by the end. A definite must-see (just make sure to bring the tissues!).”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “Some shows are too frivolous, some shows are too serious, but some find a perfect middle ground. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will make you laugh and warm your heart before ejecting you onto London’s busy streets with tears in your eyes and a song stuck in your head. It is as accessible as any of the big tourist trap shows and deserves to have a long stay here before it continues on its journey.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an early but strong contender for the best musical of the year. Certainly, the bar has been set for all others to meet – let’s see if anyone manages to match it as the year progresses. To quote a line that comes early on in the show – “You can give us a rating. Five stars is very good” – consider it done, with every star completely earned. If I had to recommend just one show to see in the West End at the moment, this would be it. If you’re looking to get a ticket, my advice would be to run, not walk.”
The Spy in the Stalls: ***** “The cast is outstanding. Mark Addy nails Harold Fry’s mix of bumbling charm and sincerity with no nonsense wit and warm vocals. Jenna Russell gives a beautifully nuanced Maureen Fry, compressing decades of resentment into a faded figure with crystalline vocals. Noah Mullins makes a dazzling West End debut as the commandingly mercurial Balladeer, delivering stunning vocals. The whole ensemble shines with vivid characterisations, powerful singing, and Tatzber’s enchanting puppetry.”
A Young(ish) Perspective: **** “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is heartfelt, thoughtful, and truly affecting. This is a show that reminds you why stories, and people, matter – and why sometimes, just choosing to believe and keep going can be enough.”
West End Best Friend: *** “This pilgrimage is a journey worth taking for the craftsmanship on display, even if the journey is at times treacherous. It is a production of high highs and puzzling lows; a beautiful vessel carrying some rather heavy-handed cargo.”
The show continues to play at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until the 18th April. To book tickets click here.