Trev could not wait to return to Milton Keynes Theatre last night (18/03) to see the highly-anticipated Only Fools & Horses and here is his full review...
The experience
Like many of my, uh-hum, age group I grew up on John Sullivan's 'Only Fool and Horses'. It was the show we watched as a family, the lines permeating daily conversations...my brother being the frequent 'plonker'....or my dad dropping in a helping of 'French'. I've seen every episode multiple times and can finish many of the lines and Sir David is one of my comedy heroes. This background led me to be initially sceptical of a stage musical but when I saw it in the Spring programme for the fab MK Theatre and following a ringing West End endorsement from my sister, I took my chance to see Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan's production last night....and I was not disappointed!
It was a pacy, warm, nostalgic trip through many of the funniest moments, memorable lines and music of the show we know and love with the addition of some sweet and funny original musical numbers which really paid homage to the original.
It was a great cast. My favourite characters were brilliantly acted with Del, Rodney, Grandad and Uncle Albert's mannerisms, in particular, played to a T and Boycie's delivery and famous laugh enducing equally big laughs in the theatre.
The set is designed cleverly over two levels giving you the market, flat and Nag's head on the ground and then a wide screen above giving you the Peckham sky-line and allowing for some interesting graphics, used to particular comic effect for Boycie's challenged 'swimmers' in one of the additional scene's numbers, 'The Tadpole Song'. Another favourite song of mine was 'That's what I like', sung by Del and the very funny matchmaker in the memorable dating agency scene....'a bit of a sort'...'guaranteed a steak meal'...you know!
A great night out and in a language we can understand even if Del doesn't...'bonnet de douche'!
The story
Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back in Only Fools and Horses The Musical and coming to Milton Keynes this March!
Join us as we take a trip back in time, where it’s all kicking off in Peckham. While the yuppie invasion of London is in full swing, love is in the air as Del Boy sets out on the rocky road to find his soul mate, Rodney and Cassandra prepare to say ‘I do’, and even Trigger is gearing up for a date (with a person!). Meanwhile, Boycie and Marlene give parenthood one final shot and Grandad takes stock of his life and decides the time has finally arrived to get his piles sorted.
This UK Tour stars Sam Lupton (Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors) as Del Boy and Tom Major, making his professional theatre debut, as Rodney. Philip Childs will play the role of Grandad, as he did in the West End.
Georgina Hagan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Heathers The Musical) reprises her role as Raquel, Craig Berry (The Bodyguard, Mamma Mia) returns to his role as Boycie and Nicola Munns (Spring Awakening, Don Giovanni) steps back into the high heels of his long-suffering wife Marlene. Nicola also plays the role of Cassandra.
They are joined by their original West End co-stars Lee VG (Les Miserables) as Trigger, Bradley John (Pandora’s Box) as Denzil; Darryl Paul (The Commitments, We Will Rock You) as Mike / Tony Driscoll / Cripps and Rhys Owen (The Full Monty, Spamalot); Christopher Arkeston (Oh! What a Lovely War) and Andrew Bryant (who is also the Resident Director).
The company is completed by Peter Watts (The Threepenny Opera, Assassins) as Danny Driscoll / Mickey Pearce; Richard J Hunt (Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Dating Agent; Gloria Acquaah-Harrison (Mawa Monologue Slam 2022 winner) as Mrs Obooko / Wedding Fitter. Kieran Andrew (The Snow Queen, The Brunch Club); Katie Paine (Heathers, We Will Rock You); Amanda Coutts (We Will Rock You, Starlight Express) and Oscar Dobbins complete the ensemble.
Directed by the originating West End director Caroline Jay Ranger (Fawlty Towers – The Play), and based on John Sullivan’s legendary record-breaking television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best-loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and 20 hilarious songs.
With musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave, the beloved theme tune as you’ve never heard it before, and an array of brand-new songs full of character and cockney charm, you’re guaranteed to have a right ol’ knees-up! Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a feel-good family celebration of traditional working-class London life in 1989 and the aspirations we all share. So don’t delay, get on the blower, and get a ticket for a truly cushty night out - only a 42-carat PLONKER would miss it!
Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
Book your tickets now
Only Fools and Horses The Musical
Performances: Mon 17 Mar - Sat 29 Mar 2025 (evenings @ 7:30pm, matinees @ 2:30pm)
Tickets: From £37.50*
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
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