Our review of Only Fools and Horses - The Musical
A nostalgic treat!
Hilarious Fun Nostalgic
Totally cushty night out!
28 years since the final episode of the iconic British comedy aired, Only Fools and Horses has been re-born on the Theatre Royal Haymarket's stage! A nostalgic treat for those who were around the first time, or those who grew up watching reruns, Only Fools and Horses The Musical bounds onto the stage enthusing energy and delivers a totally cushty night out!
This brand new stage version, written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, wins with its cast. Stunningly performed by Tom Bennett (Del Boy), Ryan Hutton (Rodney) and Andy Mace (Grandad) as the principal cast, with Jeff Nicholson (Boycie) and Peter Baker (Trigger) as our kooky supporting characters, it feels like our beloved originals are in the room with us. The likeness' are uncanny and the accents and impersonations are spot on. Of course, you could just stay at home with the box-set, but the power of live theatre really boosts Only Fools and Horses The Musical. There is nothing like watching something you love with hundreds of other fans who are all clapping and whooping alongside you.
Tremendously funny, Whitehouse and Sullivan's script pulls together the best bits of the original TV show and weaves it into a simple yet effective tale of Del Boy's quest for love. Alluding to all our favourite jokes, I won't ruin any surprises, this two and a half-hour run flies by toot-sweet powered by the guffaws coming from the audience.
Are there too many songs shoehorned in? Yes. Does that actually matter? No! This musical is not one for those who think they know everything there is to know about theatre. This show is a love-letter for the fans, and it utterly pucker!
Four and a Half Stars