Only Fools and Horses the Musical is a stage adaptation of the classic British sitcom of the same name. The show features much-loved characters Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, and Trigger, as well as iconic moments from the TV series. Since opening in February 2019 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End, the musical has received great acclaim from both critics and audiences.
What is the Only Fools and Horses Musical about?
The musical follows the misadventures of wheeler dealer Derek “Del Boy” Trotter and his younger brother Rodney as they navigate life and love in 1980s Peckham, south London. As per the TV show, the Trotters dream of getting rich through their dodgy deals while their old grandad offers words of wisdom from his armchair. Along the way, the brothers encounter unforgettable characters including Trigger, Boycie, Marlene, Denzel, Mickey Pearce and the dreaded Driscoll Brothers.
The show features new original songs as well as the iconic theme tunes from the TV series, including “Hooky Street” and “Only Fools and Horses”. The plot incorporates well-known storylines and moments from the show including the falling through the bar flap, the blow up dolls, Batman and Robin costumes, and the unlucky falling through the open bar hatch. But there are also new twists and turns to look out for.
Original TV series
For those unfamiliar, Only Fools and Horses was a classic British sitcom created by John Sullivan. It originally aired on the BBC from 1981 to 1991, returning for sporadic Christmas specials until the final episode in 2003. The show followed the misfortunes of the Trotter family as they tried to get rich through questionable business deals in London. It starred David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney. Other main characters included Lennard Pearce as Grandad and later Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert.
Over seven series and multiple Christmas specials, Only Fools and Horses grew to become one of the UK’s most beloved and most watched comedies. It introduced iconic catchphrases such as “Lovely jubbly”, “You plonker”, and “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires”. The show won numerous awards including BAFTAs and National Television Awards. John Sullivan sadly passed away in 2011 but his creations live on.
Where and when did the musical first open?
Only Fools and Horses the Musical made its world premiere at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End in February 2019. The musical opened on 9 February 2019, after previews from 8 February.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket has a prestigious West End address, located on Haymarket just off Trafalgar Square. Only Fools joins top musicals such as The Lion King, Wicked and Mamma Mia! performed in the nearby area.
The show was originally scheduled for a limited 12 week run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, closing on 6 April 2019. However, due to massive popularity and overwhelming demand for tickets, the run was extended multiple times before the initial cast completed their contracts in August 2019.
Original London cast
The original London cast was led by Tom Bennett as Del Boy and Ryan Hutton as Rodney. Reprising his role from the Only Fools and Horses stage show, Paul Whitehouse starred as Grandad. Other cast members included:
- Pippa Duffy as Raquel
- Jeff Nicholson as Trigger
- Samson Ajewole as Boycie
- Pippa Duffy as Cassandra
- Daisy Joel as Marlene
- Adam Venus as Mickey Pearce
Jim Sullivan, son of the late John Sullivan, directed the musical. Choreographer Jonny Bowles and musical supervisor and arranger Dan Lipman also worked on the show.
Where did the musical move to next?
After its hit debut in London, Only Fools and Horses the Musical embarked on a UK tour, starting at the Theatre Royal Haymarket again from 29 July to 12 September 2020. The tour then visited the following locations:
City | Venue | Dates |
---|---|---|
Milton Keynes | Milton Keynes Theatre | 14 September – 3 October 2020 |
Manchester | Palace Theatre | 5 October – 14 November 2020 |
Liverpool | Liverpool Empire | 17 November – 5 December 2020 |
Bristol | Bristol Hippodrome | 7 December 2020 – 2 January 2021 |
Birmingham | Alexandra Theatre | 5 January – 13 February 2021 |
Wimbledon | New Wimbledon Theatre | 15 February – 6 March 2021 |
Dartford | Orchard Theatre | 8 March – 27 March 2021 |
Leicester | Curve Theatre | 29 March – 10 April 2021 |
Glasgow | King’s Theatre | 12 April – 8 May 2021 |
Woking | New Victoria Theatre | 10 May – 29 May 2021 |
Cardiff | New Theatre | 31 May – 12 June 2021 |
Eastbourne | Congress Theatre | 14 June – 26 June 2021 |
Sheffield | Lyceum Theatre | 28 June – 10 July 2021 |
Sunderland | Sunderland Empire | 12 July – 24 July 2021 |
Oxford | New Theatre | 26 July – 7 August 2021 |
Hull | Hull New Theatre | 9 August – 21 August 2021 |
Canterbury | Marlowe Theatre | 23 August – 4 September 2021 |
York | Grand Opera House York | 6 September – 18 September 2021 |
The tour returned to London’s West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 23 September 2021 to 2 January 2022 due to popular demand.
UK tour cast
The UK tour starred Tom Bennett as Del Boy reprising his acclaimed role from the West End production. Other lead cast members included:
- Ryan Hutton as Rodney
- Paul Whitehouse as Grandad
- Emma Barton as Raquel
- Daisy Joel as Marlene
- Samson Ajewole as Boycie
- Jeff Nicholson as Trigger
- Adam Venue as Mickey Pearce
What about future productions?
Due to the incredible popularity of Only Fools and Horses the Musical, further tour dates are expected to be announced beyond the 2021 schedule. Keep an eye on the official website for future tour plans as details are released.
There is also talk of the show transferring to the West End in London for another extended run, or possibly a residency. Again, watch this space!
The success of the musical both in the West End and on tour around the UK suggests there is scope for productions farther afield. An international tour taking Only Fools and Horses the Musical global could be on the cards in future. There would no doubt be demand from fans worldwide to see the Trotters live on stage.
A Broadway transfer has also been speculated. Only Fools and Horses remains a hugely popular show in the US amongst British comedy fans. Turning the sitcom into a big, brash Broadway musical could well be irresistible.
For now, UK fans still have chance to catch the show on tour throughout 2021. Any future productions are yet to be confirmed. Sign up for updates from the official channels for any Only Fools and Horses the Musical tour announcements.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets for upcoming performances of Only Fools and Horses the Musical can be booked via the official website or ticket agent websites such as Ticketmaster. For the UK tour dates, tickets are available from each local venue’s box office or website.
Given the huge popularity of Only Fools for generations of TV fans, demand for tickets is extremely high. Early booking is advisable, especially for weekend performances which tend to sell out the fastest.
Ticket prices vary depending on location and seat. For the UK tour, prices start from around £20 for rear stalls/dress circle seats up to £70+ for premium stall seats at weekend shows. There are generally cheaper tickets available for midweek matinees. Group and family discounts may also be offered.
Any new dates announced such as future West End runs or international tours are sure to create a big rush for tickets. Use ticket alerts, pre-sales and early booking to get the best seats.
Official ticket sources
To ensure authentic tickets, always book through the theatre box office, Ticketmaster, London Theatre Direct, LoveTheatre and other official agents. Avoid reseller sites like Viagogo which often overcharge.
Check @onlyfoolsmusical on Twitter or facebook.com/onlyfoolsmusical for pre-sale access to new tickets. Sign up for email alerts on the Only Fools and Horses Musical site to hear about new performances.
How long does the show run?
Only Fools and Horses the Musical has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. This is similar to many major West End and Broadway musicals. The lengthy runtime allows the show to pack in many of the TV series’ best moments and characters.
On tour, there are typically evening performances from Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm, with 2:30pm or 3pm weekend matinees. In London’s West End, there are additional matinees during the week.
Plan your travel arrangements accordingly around the show times. Allow enough time to get to and from the venue.
Is it suitable for children?
Only Fools and Horses the Musical has a recommended minimum age of 10 and over. There is some mild swearing but nothing most young fans won’t have heard before. In general it is a fun, family-friendly show.
Younger children who know the TV show will likely enjoy seeing their favourite characters on stage. Just be aware there are a few innocent adult jokes that may go over kids’ heads.
As a guide, parents should consider whether their child has watched episodes of Only Fools and Horses before. If so, they will be familiar with the humour and characters already. Otherwise, younger viewers may get a bit restless at a nearly 3 hour musical aimed at adults.
Reduced rates for under 16s
Many venues offer discounted tickets for under 16s accompanying an adult. This can help make the show more affordable for families. Check with the box office at your chosen theatre about child, family or concession prices.
Is there an interval?
Yes, Only Fools and Horses the Musical has a 20 minute interval midway through the show. This gives audiences a chance to stretch their legs, use the restroom and purchase snacks and drinks.
The bar will be open for interval drinks. Many theatres now accept contactless card payments at the bar as well as cash. You may want to pre-order your interval drinks online too.
Keep in mind that eating and drinking inside the auditorium is not permitted. Finish any snacks and drinks before returning to your seats for the second act.
Interval times
As a rough guide, you can expect the interval to start after around 1 hour and 20 minutes of the show. But always follow theatre staff guidance on interval timings on the day.
Allow enough time to queue at the bar if needed. Some venues may employ strategies to manage interval crowds, such as calling different seating areas to the bar.
The second act of Only Fools and Horses the Musical will resume around 20-25 minutes after the start of interval. Listen for the call bell and follow staff instructions to return to your seats on time.
Conclusion
Only Fools and Horses the Musical has proven a huge hit with fans so far. Its West End premiere and subsequent UK tour have earned great reviews and widespread acclaim. The feel-good comedy and classic characters have translated wonderfully to the stage. With further productions likely, this show looks set to keep audiences laughing for many years to come. Catch it in a city near you!