Only Fools and Horses - The Musical review: Paul Whitehouse and a brillant cast shine as the iconic Reliant Robin stops at Leeds Grand Theatre
That well-spoken adage of ‘he who dares, wins’ has been celebrated as Only Fools and Horses - The Musical’s Leeds residency kicked off with that famous yellow three-wheel van stopping in the city.
A West End smash, since launching back in 2019, the Reliant Robin, proudly promoting the creative entrepreneurship of Trotters Independent Traders Co, has hit the road in recent times for a full UK tour. This week fans in Yorkshire, where you’ll find an Only Fools pub in Harrogate, have a chance to revisit the exploits of Del Boy, brother Rodney and a marvellous ensemble of comedy creations with the musical residing at Leeds Grand Theatre.
Demand has been high for tickets with this week’s performances pretty much sold out. Anticipation was bubbling more than Del's cocktails on Tuesday evening with many in the excited queues, outside the Leeds city centre venue, even donning some fitting attire instantly recognisable from the iconic John Sullivan series which ran on the BBC between 1981 and 2003.
READ MORE: Leeds man who turned to drug dealing to pay for uncle's funeral caught after tripping up
READ MORE: Glastonbury Festival fans reckon legendary Yorkshire band is 'nailed on' for this year's line-up
The stage show is penned by Jim Sullivan, son of the aforementioned John, and comic legend Paul Whitehouse - the latter seen in the production as the Trotter brothers’ grandad. The musical is a riotous fast-flowing two-and-a-bit hours romp which plays like an Only Fools greatest hits collection - and what hits they are.
Classic, unmistakable gags, come in the form of an infamous chandelier and a yuppie Del Boy, excellently by Sam Lupton, stepping into Sir David Jason’s big shoes, taking a dive at the bar. Unsurprisingly, these played remarkably well with the adoring fans on Tuesday night. The fluid set predominantly focuses on Peckham’s finest boozer The Nags Head and the Trotters’ abode at Nelson Mandela House. There’s lots of little touches in the flat with some coming in the shape of Del’s porcelain cigar jar, the painted elephant scene and the odd David Bowie LP.
The dynamic between Del, Rodney, portrayed by Tom Major who has perfected his Nicholas lyndhurstisms, and the pair’s grandad is packed with laughs. The great Whitehouse is clearly having a wonderful time performing in the show which has undoubtedly been a labour of love. The attire of the protagonists is spot on, down to Del Boy’s Gordon Gekko braces. Some of them were worn proudly in the packed theatre, during this week’s launch, along with accompanying flat caps.
The narrative follows wheelie dealer Del’s business ups-and-downs alongside long-suffering ‘dippy’ younger brother Rodney - who comes equipped with his GCE in art. Alongside them falling in love with Raquel, played by Georgina Hagen, and Cassandra, played by Nicola Munns, respectively. Of course the biggest love emphasised throughout is that cultivated in the dysfunctional family unit of the Trotters.
There’s lots of moments of laughter, as many attending revisit those memorable gags with a sense of warming nostalgia. But, there’s also touching tenderness. Often seen candidly when Del, who ‘has more bounce than Zebeerdee’, reaches out to his dear old deceased mum for guidance. The stage show captures the warmth and heart that ensured the original TV series’ longevity and made it a British cultural phenomenon - elevating Only Fools above its rival at the time.
In terms of songs, there’s regular drops of ‘no income tax, no VAT’ and ‘god bless Hooky Street’ from the Horses’ legendary theme tune. The first setting the tone and leaving many in the crowd with gleeful smiles. Other musical highlights include Bit of a Sort, Not Now Grandad and Gaze Into My Ball. There’s also good use of Only Fools anthems Margate, by Chas and Dave, as well as Simply Red’s Holding Back The Years.
As you’d expect, that mythical yellow car, which featured increasingly as the second act came to a close, earned the enthusiasm of the masses. During its first appearance, there were an abundance of cheers. Coming in equal measure for the pitch perfect Boycie laugh from Craig Berry - heard repeatedly. His pairing with Marlene, also performed by the talented Nicola Munns, created much mischief.
Only Fools and Horses - The Musical is a riotous family affair which celebrates the eccentricities of Britishness and a unique time in pop culture. Although London is front and centre, there’s even a nod to Leeds United legend Johnny Giles that went down well.
Displaying the closeness of the cast and crew, as the collective took their bow on Tuesday evening, acting star Lupton paid tribute to Andrew Bryant, from their number, who is soon to be running the London Marathon. A nice moment at the end of a lovely evening.
Only Fools and Horses - The Musical is much more than a jolly boys’ outing. It is at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday, March 1…you’d be a plonker to miss it.
You can find out more and buy tickets here.
To find out the latest event news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds. Stuck at home and wishing you were there? Download your favourite artists from Amazon and Apple music.
Yorkshire Live has launched Explore Yorkshire, which will look at Yorkshire's unique identity and destinations and celebrate God's Own County for what it is - the best place in the world. Whether you are looking for a day out, a weekend away or to try somewhere new, Explore Yorkshire is here to help. Our brilliant new newsletter will bring all of this content together for you in one place - sign up here to get it direct to your inbox.
