Only Fools and Horses The Musical at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by LE
It may be hard to picture the classic 1980s sitcom Only Fools and Horses as a musical, but after a hit West End run, its nostalgic charm is visiting Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall, offering fans a heart warming trip down memory lane. Adapted by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, son of the original creator John Sullivan, the production captures the essence of the beloved sitcom while introducing musical elements to the classic tales of the Trotter family.
The stage design by Alice Power effectively transports the audience to iconic locations such as the market stall, the Trotters’ flat and the Nags Head pub. The backdrop shows the skyline of London with some atmospheric video by Leo Flint which captures the essence of the show and really elevates the production to another level. The seamless transitions between scenes, facilitated by a revolving set, maintain the show’s brisk pace and keep the audience engaged.
Strong performances stand out, with Sam Lupton embodying Del Boy’s cheeky cockney charm perfectly and Tom Major, in his professional debut delivering a convincingly awkward younger brother, Rodney. Philip Childs’ portrayal of Grandad captures the character perfectly with Georgina Hagen as Raquel and Nicola Minns playing Marlene and Cassandra. The other regular cast are all there and each have their own story line with Boycie played by Craig Berry, Trigger by understudy Kieran Andrew and Denzil by Bradley John,
Musically, the show offers a mix of original numbers like “Bit of a Sort” and “The Girl” that showcase the characters’ aspirations and vulnerabilities. At the same time, the inclusion of classics like “Lovely Day” adds a touch of familiarity. Many of the new songs have been written by Paul Whitehouse (of Fast Show fame) and really showcase how multitalented he is. Complimented by Chas and Dave songs like “Margate” and “That’s What I Like” fit in perfectly with the east London vibe to whisk the audience to reminisce. Gloria Acquaah-Harrison who plays various roles performs an incredible “Holding back the Years” adding another element to the production.
The arrival of the infamous yellow three-wheeled van in the 2nd half elicited enthusiastic applause from the audience of long time dedicated fans enjoying the nostalgia. This, along with the iconic catchphrases promises a night of fun for fans of the TV series and is a fitting tribute and legacy to the humour of the time. Grab your tickets now for a “lovely jubbly” experience!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets start at £29.00. On Stage until 26 April 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND
The Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham lies adjacent to the Theatre Royal, in the heart of the city’s cultural scene. This modern marvel boasts a stage that’s not just wide, it’s positively expansive. For a spectacle like this one, with its bustling market scenes practically overflowing with energy, that generous stage isn’t just a bonus, it’s essential. It allows the story to unfold with breath taking scale and immerses the audience in a truly vibrant world.