Only Fools & Horses The Musical Review

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Del Boy, Rodney & Grandad are pretty much the holy trinity of British comedy and a massive part of our comedy culture. Only Fools & Horses still stands proudly as a great show to this day, even with all of the changing attitudes & values that are making certain comedies from the past irrelevant or socially unacceptable for a multitude of different reasons.

When I learned that it was being reimagined as a musical, I was hugely excited. But with that excitement came a lot of expectation, and the fear of disappointment was just as huge. So did it hit the spot? Im actually torn for a number of reasons.

I can’t deny that it’s a crowd pleaser, capturing the warmth, humor, and nostalgia that have endeared the original TV series to millions all around the world. The stage adaptation serves as both a tribute to our beloved sitcom and a chance to revisit the antics of Del Boy, Rodney, and their eccentric Peckham crew. However, while the production nails the spirit of the show and offers plenty of laughs, it also falls short in some key areas, particularly in its approach to storytelling.

The first thing to note is the sheer brilliance of the cast. The actors embody their iconic roles with such precision and affection that it often feels like the original characters are right there in front of us. Del Boy’s cocky swagger, rapid-fire wit and his lovable way of getting it all wrong, Rodney’s nervous awkwardness, and Grandad’s dry humor are recreated with such skill that you can’t help but be charmed. Their performances are a heartfelt tribute to characters that have become a a huge part of British cultural history.

The comedy is spot on. The script leans into the best-loved moments of the TV series, recreating classic jokes, catchphrases, and scenarios. This approach ensures a steady stream of laughter, as the audience revels in the familiarity of iconic gags, from teases of Del Boy’s fall through the bar hatch and Triggers infamous broom, right through to the chandelier mishap. The musical numbers, whilst not groundbreaking, are catchy and fun, if not a little forgettable.

For anyone who loves the show and is looking for a warm, feel-good trip down memory lane, the musical delivers exactly that. The staging, costumes, and set design capture the essence of 1980s Peckham, creating a world that feels comfortingly authentic.

However, as entertaining as it is, the musical’s reliance on nostalgia becomes a blessing but also a bit of a curse. I really hoped for a fresh storyline that expands on the world of Only Fools & Horses, but the production opts to string together highlights from the series, rehashing material that fans have already seen countless times. While this approach delivers familiarity, it also limits the show’s potential to surprise or innovate. Who wouldn’t love to see a new story after so many years? And with a cast this talented, they could easily pull it off.

This lack of originality feels like a huge missed opportunity. A new, original plot, perhaps exploring untapped aspects of the characters or imagining what they might be up to in a different setting, could have offered something truly special. Instead, the musical feels more like a “greatest hits” compilation than a new chapter in the Trotters’ story.

It’s difficult not to feel that the creators played it too safe, aiming to please hardcore fans with a formula they knew would work rather than taking a creative risk. While the result is undoubtedly enjoyable, it may leave some audience members—especially long-time fans—wanting more depth and novelty.

Only Fools & Horses The Musical is a fun and nostalgic night out, with fantastic performances and buckets of laughter. It’s a heartfelt celebration of a beloved TV series, and it’s easy to see why audiences are flocking to see it. However, for fans hoping for a fresh story that adds something new to the Only Fools & Horses legacy, it might feel like a missed chance to push the boundaries of this iconic franchise.

If you’re hoping for a faithful recreation of classic moments with the added charm of musical numbers, you’ll leave the theatre grinning. But if you were hoping for an innovative take on the Trotters’ world, like me, you might find yourself wondering what could have been.

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Only Fools & Horses is playing now, up to and including Saturday 7th December. Tickets are available now from the Regent Theatre Box Office by calling 08448717649. You can also visit  atgtickets.com/stoke for tickets and further information.