Only Fools and Horses (the musical)

Lovely Jubbly!

The Trotters have left an incredible four-year sold-out run in London’s West End and rolled up at Birmingham Hippodrome, bringing all the laughs, classic moments, and feel-good vibes that fans know and love.

Only Fools and Horses brings back many memories of my childhood for me. My mum giggling away at the re-runs. A regular episode that was played included the Trotters taking on the job of cleaning a beautiful chandelier in a stately home. But in their usual style, it ended with the demise of the chandelier. I still remember now, throwing my hand to my mouth in shock and then giggling away at it. And that’s what you get in this show, giggle after giggle.

Only Fools and Horses was a staple of family homes throughout the 1980s and 90s. With its perfect blend of humour, heart, and the charm of London’s East End, the show became a beloved fixture of British television. Del Boy’s over-the-top schemes, Rodney’s exasperated reactions, and the unforgettable supporting cast, including Trigger, Boycie, and Marlene, made for countless iconic moments. More than just a TV show, it was a shared experience that brought families together, offering not just laughs but a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams – no matter how unlikely they seemed. And the musical manages to bring these memories all back again for you.

You might be sat in your seat in Birmingham Hippodrome but whilst the shows playing, you’re in Peckham with Del Boy (Sam Lupton), Rodney (Tom Major), Grandad (Paul Whitehouse), Cassandra (Nicola Munns), Raquel (Georgina Hagen), Boycie (Craig Berry), Trigger (Lee VG), Denzil (Bradley John), Danny Driscoll (Peter Watts), Tony Driscoll (Darryl Paul) and the hilarious dating agent (Richard J Hunt).

The cast are brilliant and have been chosen well, the voices, mannerisms, even the little looks they give each other, took me back to the early 90’s. Sat in front of our old gas fire, watching the show on our square, box TV. Remember when they used to have big backs to them? None of this wide-screen TV lark then.

Sam Lupton plays a perfect Del Boy and was made for the role. Some may say he was ‘triffic!’. Stepping into the iconic role of Del Boy is no easy task, but Lupton absolutely smashes it, capturing his charm, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality to perfection. Effortlessly delivering classic one-liners while bringing his own energy to the role. And nost importantly for us fans, he nails the voice too. Close your eyes, and it could easily be David Jason himself. Lupton brings Del Boy to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and fresh. An absolutely pukka performance.

Tom Major plays Rodney brilliantly, capturing that classic mix of awkwardness and ambition we all know and love whilst perfecting the voice. Paul Whitehouse brings warmth and giggles to the role of Grandad. Nicola Munns (Cassandra) and Georgina Hagen (Raquel) both shine with excellent vocals and stage presence. Craig Berry has Boycie’s iconic laugh down to perfection (causing giggles through the audience), while Lee VG as Trigger delivers every line with that signature, slow-witted charm that had the audience in stitches. Bradley John (Denzil) brings great energy, and Peter Watts and Darryl Paul as the Driscoll brothers add just the right amount of menace and comedy. And let’s not forget Richard J Hunt as the dating agent – his performance in A Bit of a Sort was hilarious, a real standout moment in a show packed with brilliant performances.

The writing is clever, the jokes brilliant, and the songs are a mixture of giggle inducing and sentimental. A ‘Bit of a Sort’ was quite possibly my favourite, both catchy and funny. And ‘Holding Back the Years’ was beautifully performed by Gloria Acquaah-Harrison.

At 2 hours and 20 minutes, the show is packed with everything you could want – comedy, music, nostalgia, and plenty of cushty moments.

It’s recommended for ages 14+ (no under 3s allowed), so it’s definitely one for the older teens and adults to enjoy.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love a great night at the theatre, this is one show you would be a plonker to miss. Absolutely brilliant, highly recommended, and 100% worth a trip to the Hippodrome. Lovely jubbly!

Book your tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/only-fools-and-horses-the-musi/

Disclaimer: I was invited along to the press performance of the show. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.