Only Fools and Horses: The Musical – Review – Leeds Grand Theatre

By Gail Schuster, February 2025

Only Fools and Horses: The Musical is a nostalgic experience for those who enjoyed the iconic television series, which ran from 1981 to 2003, pulling in 20 million viewers at the height of its popularity. Originally written by John Sullivan, who was also responsible for Citizen Smith and Just Good Friends amongst other programmes, the series only came about because another he was writing was cancelled.

Recreating such a popular sitcom as a musical was a big risk for writers Jim Sullivan, John’s son, and Paul Whitehouse, but it has paid off. Many of the show’s most famous moments and gags are recreated faithfully on stage, whilst live performance and songs bring a new freshness to it. Sullivan and Whitehouse also wrote the music and lyrics to many of the numbers in the show.

“Clever writing”

Polymath, Paul Whitehouse, appears in the current version, both as grandad and Uncle Albert. One scene I loved, is when grandad is trying to tell Del Boy about an embarrassing operation is he going to have, but in Cockney Rhyming Slang. It is particularly clever writing and wonderfully delivered.

It must be a dilemma for actors when playing characters who are so loved and well-known as these, whether to try and be as much like the original cast as possible, or to bring something new. In this production they have gone for the former without exception. Sam Lupton captures the wide-boy, cocky Del Trotter flawlessly, both in mannerisms and speech. Tom Major brings his long-suffering, hapless brother, Rodney to life and Nicola Munns was very convincing as Marlene.

The set, designed by Alice Power, moved effortlessly between Peckham market, the Nag’s Head, and the flat in Mandela House as well as other locations in the story. Costumes were also faithful to the original series, for example Del Boy’s trademark sheep-skin jacket, beige coat and red shirt.

“Enjoyable”

The dialogue is clever and well-observed, but some of the music felt a bit misplaced. There were songs I enjoyed very much, for example, ‘Being a Villain’, performed by Peter Watts and Darryl Paul, as local heavies, the Driscoll brothers. Another was, ‘Where Have All the Cockneys Gone?’ written by Whitehouse and Chas Hodges (Chas and Dave). However, ‘Holding Back the Years’, whilst beautifully sung by Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, felt shoe-horned in and superfluous.

I also felt that too much happened in the second half and that the two acts could have been better balanced. There were sections in part two that would have benefitted from some trimming, such as Boycie and Marlene’s visit to the fertility clinic. Also, much as I appreciated Lee VG’s rendition of Trigger, I found the crystal ball scene unnecessary.

That said, this is an extremely enjoyable and entertaining production, bringing the magic of the television programme to the stage, complete with a fabulous cast and live musicians. Cushty!

‘Only Fools and Horses: The Musical’ is at Leeds Grand Theatre until 1st March
images: Johan Persson