Only Fools and Horses The Musical
Written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan | Based on ‘Only Fools and Horses’ written by John Sullivan
Original music: Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan | Additional music: John Sullivan & Chas Hodges
Director: Caroline Jay Ranger
Theatre Royal, Glasgow | 28 October 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Legendary TV show Only Fools and Horses has been reimagined as a musical. Enjoying a successful four year run in London's West End, the Trotters are now on tour to theatres across the UK.
Del Boy, Rodney, Trigger, Boycie - all the cherished characters from one of Britain's best loved TV shows are gloriously brought to life in this musical comedy that somehow manages to squeeze in all the best jokes and iconic moments from the classic sitcom, alongside more than 20 delightful songs.
The story is a mash-up of fan-favourite episodes but primarily it follows Del Boy as he looks for love and meets Raquel for the first time. Elsewhere, Rodney and Cassandra are hoping to buy a flat and get married; Boycie and Marlene are trying for a baby; And all the unforgettable characters that made the sitcom so rich such as Grandad, Trigger, Denzel and Mickey Pearce make appearances along the way as the Trotter's navigate life in 1980s Peckham.
With a script and original score written by John Sullivan's son Jim, and beloved comedian Paul Whitehouse, Only Fools and Horses The Musical stays true to the TV show and feels just like one of the classic episodes. It's full of warm, familiar stories and characters, yet it sparkles with so many brand-new hilarious jokes and quick gags that it doesn't at all feel repetitive or dated. The script really is superb, and has obviously been penned with much love and care for both the characters and for John Sullivan's legacy.
Many of the songs are original, composed to fit the musical, but with the undeniable sound and charm of Chas & Dave again these somehow also feel comforting and familiar. Each of the main characters has heir chance to shine with a solo song or two, and even the unforgettable Only Fools and Horses theme songs thankfully have their place in the stage show. The music is joyous!
One of my favourite numbers sees Del Boy singing about what he is looking for in a potential date: "A Bit of A Sort" is a work of genius! - and Sam Lupton as Del Boy alongside Richard J Hunt as the dating agent nail every word, every comic nuance. It's a glorious duet.
The entire UK tour cast for Only Fools and Horses The musical are superb. It's as if the Trotters and all their buddies have been reincarnated on the stage. Some of the performances are genuinely uncanny, with particularly strong turns from Craig Berry as Boycie and Paul Whitehouse as Grandad. Boycie's obnoxious laugh had the audience in hysterics.
But Sam Lupton as Del Boy here is truly remarkable. I've long been a fan of Lupton, but his performance as lovable rogue Derek Trotter is surely the performance of his career. You will believe that Del Boy is on the stage in front of you. He's 'triffic!'
With a clever, sleek set that effortlessly transports us from the Trotter's living room, to the Nag's Head pub and Peckham market, and perfect sound and light levels - this looks and feels like the West End Show that it is. It has the production values, keenly edited script and sharp direction that leaves audiences wanting more.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical should please regular theatre lovers as well as fans of the TV show. I do think you probably need to be a fan of the sitcom to get the most from the musical; it's so full of easter eggs, inside jokes and references that familiarity and nostalgia are a huge part of the appeal. At its core it's a feel-good celebration of a treasured show and of characters that mean so much to so many. But it's also a heartwarming, spirited, good old cockney knees-up that's bound to leave you beaming with joy. Bonjour!
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Only Fools and Horses The Musical is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Mon 28 October - Sat 2 November 2024, at Edinburgh Playhouse from Mon 4 - Sat 9 November 2024 and then continues on tour across the UK & Ireland through 2025 | It's also scheduled to play 3 weeks only in London this Christmas! | Jump to OFAH tour listings & tickets here
📸 production photos: Johan Persson
For more information about the making of Only Fools and Horses The Musical you can find an interview with the creators Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan here.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical Cast - UK Tour 2024 / 2025
Only Fools and Horses The Musical dates and tickets
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Only Fools and Horses The Musical is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Mon 28 October - Sat 2 November 2024, at Edinburgh Playhouse from Mon 4 - Sat 9 November 2024 and then continues on tour across the UK & Ireland through 2025.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical UK Tour
Theatre Royal, Glasgow
28 October - 2 November 2024
Edinburgh Playhouse
4 - 9 November 2024
Only Fools and Horses The Musical UK Tour - London 2024
Only Fools and Horses The Musical will return to London this Christmas for 3 weeks only.
Starring Paul Whitehouse as Grandad and Vinnie Jones as Danny Driscoll at all London performances!
HAMMERSMITH EVENTIM APOLLO
17 December 2024 - 5 January 2025
Tickets and more info: https://onlyfoolsonstage.com/london
What's on Glasgow Theatre soon
➡️ Coming soon to Glasgow King's Theatre: 101 Dalmatians, Bat Out of Hell, Dear Evan Hansen and Tina!
➡️ Coming soon to The Theatre Royal, Glasgow: Disney's Aladdin, SIX, War Horse and Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake!
Now on sale now at Edinburgh Playhouse
Only Fools and Horses The Musical review, UK Tour, Glasgow, Theatre Royal, Paul Whitehouse, Sam Lupton, OFAH London, OFAH musical cast.
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🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
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