Review Only Fools And Horses, The Musical, The Opera House Manchester

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Last night, we got to spend a few hours back in the 1980’s in Peckham with Del and the gang to watch Only Fools and Horses the Musical. I was apprehensive about this as I adored Only Fools and Horses growing up. However, we recently tried to watch an episode and felt some of the jokes hadn’t aged well.

About Only Fools And Horses

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES by Whitehouse and Sullivan ;                   ; Director - Caroline Jay Ranger; UK tour 2024, Churchill Theatre, Bromley,  ;
Credit: Johan Persson

Only Fools and Horses originally aired on the BBC from 1981 to 2003. Created and written by John Sullivan, the show follows the misadventures of the Trotter family, particularly Del Boy (Derek Trotter) and his younger brother Rodney, who live in a high-rise flat in Peckham, South London.

Del Boy, the fast-talking, lovable rogue, is always on the lookout for a quick way to make a fortune, dreaming of one day becoming a “millionaire.” His schemes, however, often end in disaster, much to Rodney’s dismay.

Only Fools And Horses, The Opera House Manchester

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES by Whitehouse and Sullivan ; ; Director - Caroline Jay Ranger; UK tour 2024, Churchill Theatre, Bromley, ;
Credit: Johan Persson

Only Fools and Horses The Musical brings the beloved British sitcom to life on stage, capturing the spirit and humour of the iconic TV show. Written by comedian Paul Whitehouse and the show’s original creator, John Sullivan, the musical offers fans a nostalgic trip back to Peckham with Del Boy, Rodney, and Grandad.

Catch Up The The Trotters And More Much Loved Characters

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES by Whitehouse and Sullivan ;                   ; Director - Caroline Jay Ranger; UK tour 2024, Churchill Theatre, Bromley,  ; Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson

Only Fools And Horses originally premiered at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London in 2019, featuring a mix of laughter, heartfelt moments, and the unmistakable charm of the Trotter family.

The music follows the Trotters as they embark on schemes in their eternal quest to become “millionaires” while dealing with the highs and lows of family life as Rodney and Del find love. Classic catchphrases, familiar faces, and a soundtrack that blends the original theme tunes with new tracks and classics from the time that fit perfectly.

Review, Did It Stand The Test Of Time

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES by Whitehouse and Sullivan ; ; Director - Caroline Jay Ranger; UK tour 2024, Churchill Theatre, Bromley, ; Credit: Johan Persson
Credit: Johan Persson

The set design and costumes bring 1980s London to life brilliantly; I grew up in Greater London and felt the sentiment, songs and set all felt authentic, giving the show a nostalgic air I never expected. It felt like a real immersive trip back in time to my childhood.

The set moved seamlessly between the Nags Head and the Flat in Nelson Mandela House; the wedding shop was simple but a stroke of genius. Sam Lupton played the perfect Del Boy; the casting was on point, and not one character felt out of place. It was excellent.

I also loved how one-liners and classic catchphrases and scenes were weaved in so it felt that nothing was missed out but didn’t feel crammed in. It gave a much loved but dated feeling programme a fresh feel that remained true to its characters and roots but more fitting to today’s society. If you’re a fan of Only Fools and Horses or simply love a good British comedy, this musical is a must-see, you wont be disappointed.

Where Can You See Only Fools And Horses

ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES by Whitehouse and Sullivan ; ; Director - Caroline Jay Ranger; UK tour 2024, Churchill Theatre, Bromley, ;
Credit: Johan Persson

Only Fools and Horses is playing at the Opera House Manchester until the 23rd November with tickets from £13.00 and then on a UK Tour at

  • Sunderland Empire, Mon 25 Nov – Sat 30 Nov 2024
  • Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 2 Dec – Sat 7 Dec 2024
  • Bristol Hippodrome, Mon 27 Jan – Sat 8 Feb 2025
  • New Theatre Oxford, Mon 10 Mar – Sat 15 Mar 2025
  • Milton Keynes Theatre, Mon 17 Mar – Sat 29 Mar 2025
  • Liverpool Empire, Mon 9 Jun – Sat 21 Jun 2025

I was gifted the tickets in return for an honest review, and you can’t argue with having a good old laugh and a little nostalgia. If you get tickets, check out parking near the Opera House.

Author

  • Sarah Christie

    Sarah Christie is the author of Extraordinary Chaos a family lifestyle and travel blog from a 50+ mum of boys, sharing Cricut Crafts and Free SVG Files, family travels, recipes, reviews and country living. Also the co-editor of Mini Travellers family travel blog.

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