Only Fools And Horses West End musical to close after four years

Virgin Radio

31 Jan 2023, 17:29

Not so cushtee news. Only Fools And Horses The Musical is coming to an end after four foot-tapping years at the Theatre Royal Haymarket bagging the accolade as the West End venue’s longest running production.

With more than 1,000 performances under their talented belts, the show which has starred both Les Dennis and Paul Whitehouse as Grandad is hanging up its boots.

Les Dennis wrote on Twitter: "Catch it before it finishes. It’s such a wonderful tonic of a show."

"Absolute shame, loved this musical, some great songs and an unforgettable night," said a fan.

"Brilliant show, I’d book now if I were you, don’t miss out!!!" urged another.

The much-loved stage adaptation of the iconic BBC sitcom was created by Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, the son of original series writer John Sullivan, to fulfil his father’s wishes of a theatre production.

The show stars Tom Bennett as Del Boy Trotter and Ryan Hutton as Rodney, and includes an original score plus contributions from the late Chas Hodges of Chaz & Dave fame.

A UK tour is on the cards, however, and Whitehouse has future hopes the production will make a comeback to the West End at some point.

The star said: “It’s been an unbelievable four years for the whole cast of the Only Fools musical.

“We’ve consistently played to packed houses and received standing ovations night after night – the audiences have been incredible.

“I’m committed to six months’ filming from May onwards, so it felt the right time to say ‘Bonjour’ to Del and the gang… for now.

“But we are planning a UK tour – more details to be announced later this year – and we hope to bring the show back into the West End at some point in the future.

“But for now there are just three months to get a ticket to see us at the Theatre Royal. Bonnet de douche!”

Only Fools And Horses The Musical will end its run at London’s Theatre Royal on Saturday April 29.

Mange tout, Rodders.

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