The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry | Chichester | Review

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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Minerva Theatre Chichester

Until 14th June

Tickets


Sometimes a story resonates, and Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry does exactly that. It started of as a 3 hander radio play before it grew into an award winning, global bestselling novel. Next up was a movie starring national treasures Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton and just as you think the story has peaked in popularity, along comes possibly the most beautiful version yet, and one that will undoubtably take the story to a whole new audience, a musical version produced by Chichester Festival directed by Katy Rudd.

Through all its metamorphoses Rachel Joyce has steered the writing, this is evident, as the essence and heart of the story remains steadfast.  With the addition of music and lyrics by Passenger (aka Mike Rosenberg) the tale takes on a lyrical and ethereal quality which enhances the story further.


Harold and Maureen are struggling in their marriage, they have grown apart and both haunted by a personal tragedy. When Harold receives a letter from his friend Queenie who has recently gone into a hospice, he, completely without warning, embarks on a pilgrimage of 500+ miles from South Devon to Berwick-on-Tweed to visit her. Through the people he encounters on the way he goes on a remarkable personal journey of self- discovery.


Making his Chichester debut is Mark Addy playing the gentle yet troubled Harold Fry. He takes the audience on his journey as he puts ‘One foot in front of the other’ with pain showing in every step (some nifty foot make-up too) to achieve his goal.


Maureen, his wife left behind, bewildered why his is making this journey is sublimely played by the wonderfully versatile Jenna Russell. When Harold suddenly leaves, she too goes on a personal pilgrimage re-evaluating their stagnant years.


The story telling balladeer is a pivotal role played by Jack Wolfe who recently won a string of awards for his portrayal of Gabe in the recent West End production of Next to Normal. Theatre buffs will know the connection between these two roles, but no spoilers here. Suffice to say, I suggest that similar accolades should be bestowed for this role too.


The ensemble play a multitude of roles (including a rather cute dog), all characters with stories to tell. Rachel Joyce has taken what she has observed around her and slotted it into the story with compassion During the play you laugh, you cry, through the characters of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, we recognise ourselves.


In a novel you can describe sweeping English views and you can visualise it in a movie, yet on a relatively empty stage the cast conjure English countryside and customs with artful direction by Katy Rudd and slick choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves. Samuel Wyer’s design is simple yet beautifully effective, the stage is decorated with beer barrels, a nod to Fry’s former career and scenes are created by rolling in a single piece of furniture or a door frame.  It’s simplicity helps you focus on the characters who are the essence of Fry’s journey.


The second half of the show takes a darker turn as Harold Fry’s past catches up with him and we learn about the depth of his friendship with Queenie and the things that are troubling him. Yet onward he goes to reach his destination and to fulfil his promise. We see optimism, inspiration and a reminder of the beauty and strength in the human spirit.


This simple sentimental blogger thinks that the show is perfect in every way.


Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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By the way, tickets are already like golddust – grab one today.

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