Only Fools and Horses at The Winter Gardens Blackpool Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Cath Joyce
Back in the ’80s, there was only one television in our house, and watching it was a real family affair. One show we all loved was Only Fools and Horses. as we could always count on Del Boy’s dodgy dealings and the ups and downs of life in Peckham to have us howling with laughter.
Fast forward a few decades, and the much-loved sitcom has been given a fresh lease of life on stage and brilliantly adapted into a stage musical by comedian Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan – the son of the original writer, John Sullivan. This new musical version stays true to the spirit of the original, delivering a strong dose of nostalgia alongside plenty of fresh humour for new audiences to enjoy.
The show originally ended in 1991, with its final Christmas special airing in 2003, so it’s possible some younger audience members might not be familiar with this beloved British TV institution but fortunately the musical doesn’t rely too heavily on prior knowledge and while there are plenty of “in-jokes” and classic moments (yes, the chandelier gag, Batman and Robin, Peckham Spring, and that bar fall are all there), the story stands well on its own, packed with new jokes and a well-written story line.
Though the TV series didn’t feature musical numbers, other than the famous theme tune, the stage version includes a whole catalogue of catchy songs, created with contributions from Chas Hodges (of Chas & Dave fame). They perfectly capture that Cockney knees-up vibe and blend seamlessly into the narrative. We especially enjoyed the hilarious and timely “Where Have All the Cockneys Gone?” performed by Paul Whitehouse.
Sam Lupton steps into the sheepskin coat of Del Boy with real flair, skilfully capturing his charm and wheeler-dealer ways. Making his professional acting debut, Tom Major is an outstanding Rodney Trotter with his voice and mannerisms a pitch-perfect echo of Nicholas Lyndhurst. But the performance of the night goes to Paul Whitehouse, who is simply brilliant as Grandad (and later, Uncle Albert). His impeccable comic timing and warmth were a delight to watch and he had us (and the people around us) in stitches every time he was on stage.
The entire cast is perfectly matched to their characters, from Boycie in his trademark blazer to Marlene in her ’80s get-up, the costumes and portrayals are spot on, it feels just like stepping into a live version of the classic show. Special mention goes to Nicola Munns, who seamlessly plays both Marlene and Cassandra.
The staging is clever and effective, using a rotating set to shift us from the Trotters’ flat at Nelson Mandela House, to The Nag’s Head pub, and various other London locations. A projection above the stage adds atmosphere, like bringing in a rainy day or taking us to the train station. It’s simple, but it works well, keeping the spotlight on the characters and the comedy.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a fantastic, laugh-out-loud tribute to an unforgettable British sitcom. It’s full of nostalgia, heart, and humour and whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Peckham, you’ll find it hard not to leave the theatre humming the theme tune. Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan have absolutely nailed it.
Rating: 5/5
Only Fools & Horses The Musical is at Blackpool Opera House until Saturday 3rd May 2025 and tickets cost from £29.25. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 770 0593.
Winter Gardens Blackpool, Church Street, Blackpool, FY1 1HU