It was an absolute pleasure to see Passenger perform in the intimate setting of the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a one-off performance in a venue that perfectly suited the reflective and emotionally rich nature of his work. Best known for the global hit Let Her Go, Mike Rosenberg otherwise known by his stage name Passenger, has recently turned his songwriting talents to musical theatre, having written the music for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, currently playing at the same venue.
For one night only, Passenger performed a selection of songs from the musical, alongside several pieces that did not make the final production, before closing the evening with a few of his most recognisable hits. The story at the heart of the musical follows Harold Fry, an ordinary man who impulsively decides to walk from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed to visit his dying friend, a journey that becomes one of quiet reflection, hope, and human connection.
The performance itself was beautifully simple: just Passenger alone on stage with his guitar. This stripped-back approach allowed the song writing to shine, and Passenger gently guided the audience through the narrative, offering insight into what each song was intended to convey within the story. This context made the experience feel personal and immersive, as though the audience were being invited into the creative process.
The music from The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a remarkable achievement. Each song feels purposeful and emotionally grounded, vividly capturing the journey and inner world of its characters. Even without seeing the full stage production, it was easy to visualise the cast and the story unfolding, purely through the strength of the music.
The audience’s response spoke volumes, with goosebumps and quiet tears shared throughout the evening. While I cannot comment on the full staging of the musical, the quality of the music alone suggests that anyone lucky enough to see the complete production is in for a deeply moving experience. Passenger has once again proven his relevance, creating art that resonates with sincerity, warmth, and emotional truth.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry runs until 18th April 2026 at Theatre Royal Haymarket with tickets available at Home | Theatre Royal Haymarket – The Offical Website.
Reviewer: Zain Russell
Reviewed: 1st February 2026
North West End UK Rating: