It was announced today that Passenger (AKA Mike Rosenberg), who wrote the music and lyrics for the critically acclaimed new musical, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, has released the first single and music video from his new concept album, based on the hit show.
The song accompanies Harold as he decides to set off on his pilgrimage. It is an awakening, a joyful realisation of life and spring and new beginnings. A remembering of the beauty that has always been right outside his front door.
It is also announced today that The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will transfer to London’s West End in 2026, with dates and theatre to be announced. The joyous and life-affirming new musical had its World Premiere at the Chichester Festival Theatre this Spring, where it sold out the entire season and opened to 5-star reviews and standing ovations. The production starred Mark Addy as Harold, Jenna Russell as Maureen and Jack Wolfe as The Balladeer. It is based on the best-selling novel by Rachel Joyce and directed by Katy Rudd.
Passenger said of writing the music and lyrics for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry,
‘I never thought I would write a musical. But when I was asked, I read the book and immediately fell in love with it. I love the story and I resonate so deeply with the characters and the journeys they go on. 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.
The musical tells the moving story of Harold Fry. Grey, tired and lonely, he receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply and keeps walking. From South Devon to Berwick upon Tweed, he leaves his bewildered wife Maureen behind.
Because Harold is trying to make up for lost time, confront the ghosts in his past, and – perhaps – keep someone alive.
As word spreads of his unlikely pilgrimage, a whole company of lost souls join him on his quest. And the horizons for both Harold and Maureen open wider than they could ever have imagined.
The Chichester Festival Theatre production will be presented in the West End by Chris Harper Productions and Nick Sidi.