Only Fools and Horses The Musical Review

Reviewed by Mark at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall 

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

If you’re a fan of classic British sitcoms, the opportunity to see Only Fools and Horses The Musical on tour is not one to be missed. Based on John Sullivan's work, this production is written by Paul Whitehouse and John Sullivan's son, Jim. It brings the beloved characters of Del Boy, Rodders, and their cockney capers to life in a musical format.

Sam Lupton as Del Boy. Photo by Johan Persson

The musical follows Del Boy as he searches for love whilst Rodney and Cassandra prepare for their wedding. Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene are trying to conceive after numerous attempts, whilst Grandad is taking stock of his life and decides now is the time to finally get his piles sorted out! Sam Lupton steps into the shoes of the iconic Del Boy with a charm and wit that captures the essence of the character we all know and love. His performance is filled with a cheeky energy that has you on his side right away, even as he schemingly tries to make a quick buck. Tom Major, portraying Rodney, offers a fantastic counterbalance to Lupton’s exuberance. Together, they create a comedic chemistry that is both heartwarming and hilarious, embodying the brotherly dynamic that has resonated with fans for decades. Lupton and Major both honour the performances by David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst whilst firmly putting their own stamps on the roles. Philip Childs as Grandad brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the show. His portrayal of the lovable yet forgetful elder is endearing, evoking fond memories of the original series, where the role was played by Lennard Pearce. The supporting cast shines as well; Georgina Hagen as Raquel delivers a beautiful performance filled with both vulnerability and strength, and Nicola Munns dual roles as both Marlene/Cassandra showcase her versatility with comedic and heartfelt moments.

Richard J Hunt, Peter Watts, Sam Lupton and Georgina Hagen. Photo by Johan Persson.

Meanwhile, Craig Berry as Boycie adds a dash of snobbery and he nails the iconic laugh, which is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Bradley John as Denzil feels like a mirror of Paul Barber's excellent Scouse work. Kieran Andrew understudied the role of Trigger with real aplomb; his delivery of the one-liners is superb and brings arguably the biggest laughs of the night. Peter Watts impresses as tough man Danny Driscoll and Mickey Pearce. Whilst there's some fantastic multi-rolling from Richard J Hunt. The show does struggle a little to fit everyone in for enough time to make an impact. The musical numbers are catchy and feel befitting of the world of the show. Some songs are highly entertaining and contribute to character development, but a few may feel slightly sluggish and shoehorned, breaking the otherwise brisk pace of the show. The show could possibly benefit from being a play with songs more than a fully blown musical. The overall experience is bolstered by energetic choreography by Caroline Jay Ranger and vibrant set design by Alice Power that pays homage to the show's working-class roots. The rotating set brings the familiar locations of the Trotter's flat, The Nag's Head and the Market to life. It's all instantly recognisable. There's a rapturous applause for the Reliant Robin that makes an appearance in the second act. One of the standout aspects of this production is its ability to maintain the essence of the original series while adapting it for the stage. It honours what has come before it whilst adding something new. Long-time fans are richly served by this stage production. There are many nods to moments that occur in the TV show, Del falling through the bar, the mention of the Chandeliers, Trigger's broom, and so on.

Sam Lupton and Tom Major. Photo by Johan Persson.

In summary, Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a fun, insightful journey through the life of those lovable rogues, The Trotters. With strong performances from an impressive cast, the show offers both yesteryear charm and a fresh take that resonates with audiences today. So grab your mates, let nostalgia take the reins, and prepare for a night filled with laughter. It may not change your life, but for a couple of hours, it's a pukka piece of entertainment.

⭐⭐⭐.5

Only Fools and Horses The Musical plays at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall until Saturday 25th April 2025. Limited tickets remain available from https://trch.co.uk/

The show continues on tour until Saturday 5th July, where the tour concludes at Dublin's Bord Gais Theatre. Visit https://onlyfoolsonstage.com/ for full tour dates and venues.