The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry review: Gut-wrenchingly gorgeous

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a gut-wrenchingly gorgeous story of guilt, grief and redemption.

The story follows Harold who is leaving his wife, not out of malice, but because he’s drowning in guilt for not being able to save his son, and for the kindness he never repaid to Queenie Hennessy, who once took the blame for him at work.

When he learns Queenie is dying in a hospice, Harold sets off on a walk across England not to save her, but to prove something to himself, to find peace, and to finally say thank you and goodbye.

We learn that Harold and his wife Maureen’s son faced serious struggles after returning from university which included problems with drugs. Harold, in his fear and frustration, shamed his son instead of helping him.

What came from love and desperation ended in a devastating fallout. Harold only wanted to push his son toward stability, a job, and routine, not watch him spiral, and this guilt drives every step of his journey.

The show’s in-the-round staging feels intimate with atmospheric dreamcatchers hanging above the circular set, while projections transform the space into ever-changing skies and landscapes.

Live instruments add warmth and immediacy, while the gentle folk-pop score ties everything together beautifully.

Act One runs for around 1 hour 10 minutes, followed by a 20-minute interval, then a 1-hour second act approximately 2 hours 30 minutes in total. Overall, the show is paced beautifully, balancing humour and heartbreak throughout.

The “On the Road” sequence captures the spirit of YOLO (“you only live once”) perfectly, and “Believe” is as uplifting as it sounds. A highlight is the hilariously honest “You’re F***ed,” performed as Harold battles blisters and bruises a much-needed moment of levity. The puppet dog companion is a lovely touch too.

Jenna Russell is outstanding as Maureen Fry, especially in her heart-breaking performance of Tin of Soup for One. Mark Addy’s Harold is deeply vulnerable and full of quiet humanity — you feel every step of his emotional and physical journey. Maggie Service brings versatility and warmth as Queenie, and newcomer Noah Mullins , as The Balladeer and Harold’s son, shines in their West End debut.

By Act Two, you’ll need tissues it’s devastating and hopeful all at once. The final moments left the audience floored, a rare silence before the standing ovation.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a production that wears its heart entirely on its sleeve, showcasing Passenger’s emotive song writing and the cast’s extraordinary ability to tell a story through music.

With its mix of pop-folk, humour, grief, and stunning design, Harold Fry sits somewhere between Fisherman’s Friends and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It’s moving, heartfelt, and yes, utterly gut-wrenching but you’ll leave reminded to keep on walking: a powerful metaphor for not giving up on life, to keep going no matter how heavy the burden— the lesson Harold learned through the tragic loss of his son.

• Buy The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets at London Theatre Direct
• Buy The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets at SeatPlan

When and where can I see The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is running at Theatre Royal Haymarket in London's West End for a strictly limited season until 18th April.

• Buy The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets at London Theatre Direct
• Buy The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tickets at SeatPlan

For the latest in London theatre, check out our review of Man and Boy at the National Theatre, as well as our Into the Woods review.