Only Fools and Horses The Musical, UK Tour Review (2025)
Sam Lupton in Only Fools and Horses The Musical. Photo by Johan Persson
Written by Bella for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
As someone who has born in 2003, two decades after Only Fools and Horses first hit our TV screens, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the musical version of one of the greatest British sitcoms of all times.
I knew the catchphrase 'Lovely jubbly' and had seen classic moments like the falling chandelier and the scene where Del Boy falls through the bar. However, I didn’t grow up with Del Boy and Rodney like the majority of the audience at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, so I went in with fresh eyes - and it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable nights I’ve had at the theatre in a long time.
I was completely surprised by how much of the evening I spent laughing and enjoying the show’s wonderful score. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newbie like me, you’ll find this musical full of charm, nostalgia, and British humour.
From the moment Del Boy swaggered onto the stage in his camel coat and gold chain, the audience around me (many of whom clearly were lifelong fans) were completely swept along by the story. The show was very different from anything I’d usually go and see and some of the jokes definitely come from another time. But what surprised me most was how easy it was to pick the story up.
The characters are hilarious, even if you’re new to them - Del is a cocky, lovable rogue with his crazy get rich quick schemes, whilst his younger brother Rodney is the complete opposite, and Grandad is comical and serious in equal measure.
With set design by Alice Power, multiple set pieces worked together to create an expansive Peckham skyline. The use of a large screen worked well in the ‘Phantom of The Opera’ scene and throughout Trigger’s main song, ‘Gaze into My Ball’, which was very cleverly done.
Sam Lupton was a revelation as Del Boy and nailed the characterisation of Del to a tee. Sam was fantastic, complete with all the mannerisms you’d associate with Del, as well as an absolutely fantastic voice,
For me, a highlight was Tom Major who played the character of Rodney. Tom had brilliant comic timing whilst also nailing the more serious moments of the script. I was surprised to learn that this was Tom’s professional debut, as he really stole the show.
Del’s budding romance with love interest Raquel, played by Georgina Hagen, was the main plot line throughout the show. Having seen Georgina in a couple of different shows before, I knew she had a wonderful voice; however, she really shone during her solo “The Girl”, conveying the heartfelt tone throughout the song as well as hitting the incredibly funny moments.
The choreography is fun, and the script is packed with jokes, physical comedy, and references to classic moments from the TV show, but I didn’t feel like I was missing out by being new to the show. Watching the audience start laughing before the punchline was delivered made me realise just how much love there is for the Trotter family.
There were musical references to the 1980’s and 1990’s, as well as a few brand new songs, which alternated between bringing the audience to tears and having them in stitches.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical is much more than a novelty stage version of the TV favourite. And for someone my age, it was a brilliant introduction to why this show means so much to so many people.
If you’re my age and think this show’s only for your parents or grandparents, give it a try. You’ll laugh, you might tear up a bit, and you’ll have the phrase “this time next year, we’ll be millionaires Rodney!” stuck in your head for days.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical continues its UK and Ireland tour through to July.
★★★★
