Only Fools And Horses – Review

Mayflower Theatre Southampton until 8^th March
then continuing tour

Review: pHayward 3^rd March 2025

If you are one of the 18,500 people that are lucky enough to have a ticket for the new musical Only Fools And Horses at Mayflower Theatre this week you are in for an absolute treat. For those of you that left it a little late and were confronted with the sold out signs I can only say you really should book earlier as you will be missing one of the best new British musicals for a long while. This is so much more than the television programme being brought to the stage.

What we have is a seamless, beautifully produced two and a quarter hours of perfectly blended humour, stories, characters, songs and choreography, all brilliantly set and lit. In many recent productions we are lucky to get one or two of the above, but to get them all is an exceptional experience and this is what this show is, an exceptional experience. How can you take what is considered by many to be the finest British sitcom ever screened, bring it to the stage and improve it by adding so much. I can’t recall the last time I saw a cast gel so well and just slip so comfortably into their characters while bringing such exuberance to the stage.

This magnificent adaptation directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, has an impressive pedigree, originally created by John Sullivan, the musical has a book, lyrics and original score by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan (John’s son) plus additional original music and lyrics by John Sullivan and Chas Hodges (Chas & Dave). It really does pay homage to some of the great British musicals of the past – think Lionel Bart would have been more than proud of this one.

Set in 1980s London SE15, it’s a story of rough diamond characters from the streets of Peckham, none more so than Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, the dreamer with a heart of gold, and a van full of smoke-damaged fire alarms to sell. An iconic role, that Sam Lupton dons with supreme confidence and absolute perfection, he had every movement, mannerism, facial expression and vocal nuance nailed down. He commanded the stage, his singing was crystal clear whilst still being in the accent, and he moved effortlessly during the dance routines in perfect timing with the backing dancers.

His little brother, Rodney is played by newcomer Tom Major making his professional debut while still at College. He conveys every aspect of the character, loveable, charming and moody all rolled into one. What a career this young man has in front of him, think he will be up for any challenge that a producer could ever put in front of him. His on stage partner Cassandra was played by Nicola Munns who doubled up as Marlene too. A tricky thing to do as both characters have such different qualities.

Grandad must have been tricky to cast, recreating the persona created by Lennard Pearce in the sitcom. But co-writer Paul Whitehouse said that he would step into the role and this colossus of British comedy makes the role completely his own. Amanda Coutts is truly believable as Raquel. The song The Girl is a wonderful way to meet her character. Boycie was Boycie as he was played by Craig Berry with his towering stature and guttural chuckle. His voice was spot on and he has a strong bass singing voice. Lee VG plays Trigger and his rendition of Gaze Into my Ball is a stand-out moment – hilarious and totally crazy. Two other stand-out performances come from Gloria Acquaah Harrison who delivered stunning vocals throughout and Richard J Hunt who is incredible playing so many parts wonderfully.

The cast move with such synchronisation, in perfect timing that underscores the fact that Caroline Jay Ranger, the Director and Choreographer is at the absolute top of her game. Alice Power’s set design is incredible, taking us from scene to scene seamlessly. All impressively helped by Ian Scott’s lighting design and Leo Flint’s videos and animation. The band under the direction of Catherine Benson support the musical numbers performed by the cast, rather than dominate the songs as so often happens with some of today’s musicals.

Only Fools and Horses the musical is a real triumph. From last night’s audience it was obvious that it is bringing people into the world of musical theatre who wouldn’t usually go. It is so pleasing to see theatre opening up to new audiences and that such a classic is being warmly embraced by younger generations too. Seldom do you get to see a show that deserves all the accolades that have been attached to it – but this is one – and if you can’t see it this week then I urge you to consider attempting to get tickets for another venue – maybe Oxford from 10^th March – believe me it will be worth the journey.