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With 22 years, 64 episodes and 16 specials under their belt, Only Fools and Horses is considered the holy grail of comedy. It’s been beloved by generations, rewatched endlessly without boredom, and has become deeply ingrained in British culture. So, when Only Fools and Horses The Musical was announced, there was no doubt that it was going to be put under the microscope for acute inspection. It could have so easily shattered fond memories and nostalgia, but thankfully, the production brings Peckham’s finest to the stage and plays an affectionate and hilarious tribute to the iconic sitcom.
Fresh off a four-year West End run, the show features all the beloved characters, classic catchphrases, and a collection of lively musical numbers, opening up with a brilliantly reimagined rendition of Hooky Street, whereby we are introduced to much of the cast.
It’s immediately apparent who plays who before anyone has even opened their mouth, but what’s particularly nice is that it doesn’t descend into caricature or feel like an attempt to be the likes of David Jason, or Nicholas Lyndhurst. Tom Major’s gangly, endearing Rodney feels every bit the put-upon younger brother, nailing that almost whiny vocal quality which remains even in his musical numbers. Particular attention is given to his costumes, which could have been plucked right from the original set, from his red lumberjack coat to his graphic t-shirts.
Sam Lupton’s portrayal of Del Boy brims with cheeky charm and fully embodies David Jason’s beloved character. His stepping into the role feels natural and familiar, so much so at times you feel like you’re in your own living room watching the TV on the sofa.
The script is peppered with John Sullivan’s unmistakable wit, faithfully extended by his son Jim Sullivan and comedy veteran Paul Whitehouse. It delivers of Del’s well known catchphrases (cushty), as well as homages to Derek’s flamboyant cocktail orders and dodgy salesman tactics, with nods to that chandelier incident, too. It must have been so difficult for the duo to comb through the series for the best bits, but they have managed to collate the cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series and pack it into two hours, without it ever feeling rushed.
Homegrown talent Philip Childs, born in Burslem, played a fantastic part in Grandad. He’s got a lovely bond with both his on-stage grandson’s, and has a particularly poignant moment during Raining For Grandad, which is beautifully performed in a poetic style. Boycie, played by Craig Berry, also gave a performance John Challis would have been proud of.
Nicola Munns did a fantastic job at playing both Boycie’s wife, Marlene, and Rodney’s love interest Cassandra. She was so brilliant at switching between the two roles that I had no idea it was the same actress until I got home to read the programme, which is a certain sign of a job well done.
There are several great numbers in the score, including revamped sitcom staples and original tracks. Lovely Day and Holding Back the Years are particular highlights, with Gloria Acquaah-Harrison delivering a stirring vocal performance as Mrs Obookao, while Georgina Hagen’s Raquel has a heartfelt solo in The Girl. The jaunty Bit of a Sort is playful and one of the most catchy, with contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave thrown in for good measure, too.
Alice Power’s set design seamlessly transitions between iconic locations like the Nag’s Head and the flat at Nelson Mandela House with the help of rotating sets and clever video projections. Fans of the original series will revel in the attention to detail, from garish ‘80s decor to the Trotters’ iconic Reliant Robin.
Packed with cockney charm and plenty of gags, from Trigger constantly calling Rodney “Dave” to Del Boy’s fall through the bar hatch, Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a heartwarming celebration of British humour, paying loving tribute to one of the UK’s most cherished sitcoms. For fans of Del, Rodney, and the gang, it’s a cushty night out. Catch it at The Regent Theatre until Saturday, December 7 – get your tickets here.
