Take a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time before smartphones, social media, and when there were only a handful of television channels. Only Fools and Horses was one of TV’s most-watched shows, and this hit sitcom leaps off the screen in this feel-good musical adaptation. So pour yourself a glass of Peckham Spring and enjoy this lovely jubbly show.
Photography by Johan Persson
Only Fools and Horses began life on the BBC in 1981 and ran through to 2003, with the main series followed by a host of Christmas specials. The show’s cultural significance cannot be understated. The show’s highest viewing figure was over 24 million viewers, the highest ever for a sitcom and in the top 5 most watched UK programmes of all time.
The musical was co-created by the original creator, John Sullivan’s son, Jim Sullivan, who worked on the script and score, and Paul Whitehouse, who also stars in the show as Grandad. Only Fools and Horses the Musical delivers humour akin to the TV show and injects its uniqueness with musical numbers cleverly intertwined with the dialogue. The plot of the musical mostly centres around the episode “Dates”, following Del Boy’s quest to find love through a blind dating agency, and “Little Problems, following Rodney’s quest for £2000, given to him by Del Boy after asking for a loan from the Driscoll brothers. Although you will likely know a lot about the plot, the musical numbers add extra energy and make it a fresh viewing of something so familiar to many. There are a lot of one-liners and references to other episodes and characters sprinkled throughout, so a big Only Fools fan will likely be in their element.
Photography by Johan Persson
The musical numbers complement the piece well. Original songs like "Not Now Grandad" and "Marriage and Love" are two favourites. Although not much of the music sticks in your head, apart from a mix of the Only Fools And Horses theme song and Hooky Street which blend well together. One of the other strong original numbers is one sung by Trigger, played by Lee VG, in which the character envisages what 2024 Peackam could be like. He speaks of the rise of property prices, the growth of artisan coffee shops, and generally the changes the next 40 years would see for the area and British life. A thing letting down the score is in the inclusion of the Bill Withers number, Lovely Day, which although it ends the 1st act on a high point, and is a fantastic song, feels like a strange move to jukebox which comes out of nowhere. An original number would likely have been a better way to end the act.
Photography by Johan Persson
Only Fools and Horses The Musical is an ensemble piece with many of the cast playing multiple roles, and are often on stage together to show the busy nature of Peckham be it in the Nag’s Head pub or the street markets. The cast was led by Sam Lupton as Del Boy. Sam delivered a close-to-life take on David Jason’s famous character, but still delivered his own sparkle and take on the role with great dancing and vocals. Following on from appearing in London's West End, BAFTA-winning Actor, performer and Writer, Paul Whitehouse reprises the role as Grandad for the tour. Paul delivers a fantastic performance in the role, is full of humour and is a huge highlight of the show. Actor Tom Major delivers a strong acting debut in the role of Rodney, and Georgina Hagen delivers strong vocals and has great chemistry with Sam Lupton’s Del Boy. The principal cast delivers versions of the characters that are very close to the original which feel comfortable as an audience member, this is certainly evident in Craig Berry’s great take on Boycie and nails that iconic laugh.
Photography by Johan Persson
The show works well in being mostly original in its musical elements, but a lot of the strongest gags are directly from the TV show. This includes the teasing throughout of the bar flap, and also the falling of the chandelier - which although the latter doesn't happen within the show as per the series, there is a nice nod to the Phantom of The Opera which also famously has a falling chandelier. The show’s staging feels like the sets could be lifted from the TV screen and placed on stage. You feel like you are watching a classic episode of the series play out in front of you, now with added musical theatre.
Photography by Johan Persson
Only Fools and Horses is a strong adaptation from TV to the stage. Although a lot of the plot and moments have been experienced before on television, the unique elements of witty songs, and updated references and jokes make this a watch for both fans and those meeting the trotters for the first time.
This show has been rated ☆☆☆
Only Fools and Horses the Musical runs at Edinburgh Playhouse until the 9th of November. For more information and tickets visit: https://onlyfoolsonstage.com/
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