Review of Only Fools and Horses - The Musical at Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton

The classic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, created by John Sullivan and running for 22 years, holds a fond spot in the hearts of many. Even if you are not a fan, most are slightly familiar with the exploits of wheeler-dealer Del Boy and his lanky brother Rodney. However, who could think this could be the subject of a hit musical? Well, it turns out that Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, the son of the original writer, did, and it has to be said, in Del Boy lingo, it's proper lovely jubbly!

Bringing iconic characters to the stage that the same actors have played for so many years presents a challenge to any performer; however, without exception, director Caroline Jay Ranger and her team have assembled a stellar cast.

Leading the action is, of course, Derek "Del Boy" Trotter, played by Sam Lupton with all the energy and wideboy manner of the legendary David Jason. Lupton looks the part, sounds the part, even, of course, in song, but even manages to add his own charm to the character.

Equally good is Tom Major, making his professional debut as Rodney. If anything, Major is an even more accurate form of the original than Del Boy, and his demeanour and posture are Rodney to perfection.

Paul Whitehouse is touring the show as Grandad; however, on its Northampton stopover, the role is being played by Philip Childs, and he is an excellent replacement, bringing a gentle charm and an eye twinkle to the role. Additionally, there is an inner sadness to the character, much like what underlies Sullivan's original stories, especially in the latter years, as our love for the characters grew. Other characters that give so much to a performer are Trigger and Boycie, and in these, there are two cracking performances by Lee VG and Craig Berry, respectively.

Whitehouse and Sullivan's script takes as its basis the entire run of the series, so peppered throughout are all the characters we know, alongside delightful little nods to many a classic scene. It is very much a tribute to the original and a smorgasbord of delight for any fan.

There is, however, enough comedy and thrills for even those not deep fans of the original. The songs, in particular, are constantly fun and catchy, if not ground-breaking works. This naive style works, though, within the tale of the Trotters, like some polished but slightly wonky gem they are trying to flog on the market. There is also a distinct style of old London town, with cracking songs like Mange Tout and a particular favourite, Bit Of A Sort (credit to Richard J Hunt, who appears as a multitude of brilliant characters throughout). What Have I Let Myself In For? is also a beautiful song, performed delightfully by Nicola Munns as Cassandra and Trigger's song Gaze Into My Ball is a curiously weird treat.

Staging is a delight, thanks to Alice Power's brilliant set design, which effortlessly moves us from the Trotters' home to the market and back to The Nag's Head for a quick one. Also, Catherine Benson and her band fill the theatre with brilliant music of the right level to allow the comical lyrics to be fully appreciated.

Only Fools and Horses - The Musical is a brilliantly entertaining show, the ultimate "British" musical. It is also clearly going to pack the audiences on the tour, judging by the truly packed audience on opening night in Northampton. If you have even a small liking for the adventures of the Trotters, you are guaranteed to find this a gem of a night out.

As Del Boy would say, it's a proper lovely jubbly bit of theatre!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton.

Only Fools and Horses - The Musical is at Royal & Derngate until Saturday, 7th June 2025.

For details of the tour, see https://onlyfoolsonstage.com/

For further details about the Royal & Derngate and to book tickets, see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Production photos: Johan Perrson