Review: Only Fools & Horses: The Musical at Opera House ‘captures the heart and humour of the original superbly’

Only Fools and Horses is a brilliant stage adaptation of the beloved British sitcom, capturing the heart and humour of the iconic TV show while bringing it to life in a fresh, dynamic way.

Set in the working-class world of Peckham, the story follows the classic misadventures of the Trotter brothers, Del Boy, an ever-optimistic man with the gift of the gab and his more down to Earth brother, Rodney, as they navigate the ups and downs of life in their pursuit of wealth, love, and life in Peckham.

Only Fools and Horses at Opera House

What makes this stage production so captivating is its impeccable balance of nostalgia and new energy. The script stays true to the wit and charm of the original series, delivering iconic one-liners, while also introducing clever developments and musical numbers that seamlessly integrate into the storyline.

The production’s sharp dialogue, fast-paced humour, and memorable catchphrases will have fans of the original show laughing out loud, while newcomers will be drawn in by its universal themes of family, dreams, and ambition.

David Grindrod does well on casting across the board, with stand-out performances from each actor.

Sam Lupton as Del Boy

Sam Lupton’s portrayal of Del Boy is nothing short of spectacular, capturing the character’s boundless optimism and occasional delusions of grandeur, with his adaptation being well received to the audience.

Only Fools and Horses also marks Tom Major’s professional debut, with his performance offering a sweet yet awkward Rodney and being a great pairing for Lupton’s Del Boy.

Special mention to Craig Berry for his portrayal of Boycie, especially his laugh which is an uncanny match to John Challis’, truly capturing the essence of the character.

Paul Whitehouse

Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan do an outstanding job on weaving clever inside jokes from the original show into the production, including references to Batman and Robin and the chandelier, which is certainly appreciated by the audience.

It’s particularly impressive that Paul Whitehouse, not only a co-writer of the production, also takes on the role of the legendary Grandad. His performance is a masterclass in comedy, delivering the character with perfect timing and earning plenty of laughter from the audience.

Each performer embodies their character so well, staying faithful to the original portrayals while bringing their own unique energy to the stage.

I thoroughly enjoyed how music director, Rachel Murphy, seamlessly integrate the songs into the storyline, not to mention with some hilarious lyrics.

Not just for die hard fans

You could tell that the majority of the audience consists of die-hard Only Fools and Horses fans, as the chit chat on what to expect was roaring, prior to the show starting and even after the completion of the show.

Ultimately, Only Fools and Horses on stage is a love letter to the series and its enduring appeal. It’s an absolute treat for fans, a wonderfully nostalgic experience that keeps the spirit of the original show alive, while also making it feel like something fresh and exciting.

I’d consider the demographic for this show to generally be 14+ but whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Trotter brothers’ antics, this production is bound to leave you laughing, smiling, and thoroughly entertained.

Tickets for Only Fools and Horses at Opera House

Only Fools and Horses is on at the Opera House from Mon 11th Nov – Sat 23rd Nov 2024. You can get tickets by clicking here