Based on the TV show by John Sullivan
Book, Lyrics and Original Score:Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan
Additional Music: John Sullivan and Chas Hodges
Director: Caroline Jay Ranger
As the theme song goes, “Long live Hooky Street” – and that it has! First appearing on our screens in the 1980s,Only Fools and Horsesis a deeply beloved comedy across the UK and beyond. Now it has made the transition to become a stage musical and, following a successful West End run, is enjoying a UK tour. The musical generally focuses around the episodeDateswhen Del Boy and Raquel first meet, but also gives plenty of space for the show’s iconic characters to have their moments in the spotlight.
Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan has turned over 40 hours of television in a 2 and a half hour musical fantastically well. The book is very funny and the new music works wonderfully. Whilst it isn’t the most memorable score in the history of musical theatre, it is still great fun with some lovely ballads and some fabulous production numbers – and of course the iconic theme song makes many an appearance.
Caroline Jay Ranger directs the production and leads her cast in finding performances that capture the essence of the characters we know and love from the TV, whilst never allowing the show to become a tribute act. Alice Power’s set design cleverly brings to life the multiple settings from the famous flat to the Nag’s Head pub. It is a shame not to see the yellow van on stage, especially given it takes pride of place on the poster – your reviewer isn’t sure if this is just due to limited wing space in Sheffield or the van doesn’t appear anywhere on tour. Leo Flint’s video design brings to life the stage really well, whilst the show doesn’t rely on the projections. Liz Ascroft’s costume capture the characters and the era perfectly.
David Grindrod DGA has assembled a wonderful cast for the tour. Paul Whitehouse plays Grandad (and may make a brief appearance as Uncle Albert!) and is a joy to watch on stage. He is warm and likeable and lands every laugh perfectly. Tom Major is a star in the making as Rodney. He is funny and has a great stage presence. He has a lovely chemistry with Amanda Coutts who understudied the role of Cassandra at this performance. Sam Lupton is outstanding as Del Boy. He leads production numbers with ease, has a tremendous stage presence and at times you can easily mistaken him for David Jason. He has a beautiful and believable chemistry with Georgina Hagen as Raquel. Hagen delivers some flawless vocals, with Did You Hear About The Girl being a musical highlight of the show.
The show is packed full of strong supporting performances. Lee VG is hilarious as Trigger, bouncing off Lupton very well. Peter Watts is great fun understudying Boycie, with Amanda Coutts doubling up as Marlene – they deliver some moving moments in the fertility clinic, as well as creating plenty of laughter. Richard J Hunt gives a scene stealing performance as the Dating Agent, whilst Christopher Arkeston and Darryl Paul add some delicious villainy to the proceedings as Danny and Tony Driscoll respectively.
Only Fools and Horses the Musicalis very much a love letter to the TV show, but has plenty to enjoy if you aren’t too familiar with the series. This laugh a minute production with wonderful comedy performances and some fun musical numbers is definitely worth a watch – you’ll be guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face, whilst humming the theme song.
Runs until 31st May 2025