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Only Fools and Horses the Musical, starring Paul Whitehouse, is coming to Bromley

05:00, 12 September 2024

updated: 16:50, 12 September 2024

A cushty comedy musical is packing up its three-wheeled van and hitting the road for a nationwide tour.

Only Fools and Horses the Musical is leaving its record-breaking four-year run on the West End and embarking on its first tour of the country, including two Kent theatres.

Only Fools and Horses the Musical is going on a 10-month tour, including two Kent theatres. Picture: Trevor Leighton
Only Fools and Horses the Musical is going on a 10-month tour, including two Kent theatres. Picture: Trevor Leighton

The tour kicks off at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley this autumn and will return to the county in April for six nights at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

The Fast Show star Paul Whitehouse, who co-wrote the script and original score with John Sullivan’s son, Jim Sullivan, is taking on the role of Grandad on select dates of the tour.

The comedian, who has also appeared in Harry Enfield and Chums and Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, will be joined by Sam Lupton (Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked) as Del Boy and Tom Major as Rodney in his professional theatre debut.

The 10-month tour also stars Georgina Hagan, who reprises her role as Raquel, while Craig Berry and Nicola Munns return as the unlikely couple Boycie and Marlene.

The stage show is based on TV sitcom Only Fools and Horses, which first aired on the BBC in 1981.

The series, created by John Sullivan, followed a working-class family - wheeler-dealer Del Boy, his hapless younger brother Rodney and their clueless Grandad, who was later replaced by the doddering Uncle Albert after the death of actor Lennard Pearce - and their attempts to become millionaires.

Comedian Paul Whitehouse will star as Grandad in the upcoming tour. Picture: Johan Persson
Comedian Paul Whitehouse will star as Grandad in the upcoming tour. Picture: Johan Persson

The show ran for seven series, until 1991, with a string of Christmas specials being aired until 2003. It became one of Britain’s best-loved TV shows and the 1996 episode Time on Our Hands, which was originally set to be the final episode, holds the record for the biggest UK audience for a sitcom episode.

The live adaptation is set in Peckham in 1989, with Rodney preparing to marry Cassandra, Del Boy looking for his soul mate and Grandad battling with his many ailments.

The music includes contributions from Cockney duo Chas and Dave, the original theme tune and a handful of brand-new songs.

Only Fools and Horses the Musical will be at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley from Monday, September 23 to Saturday, September 28. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets to the Marlowe Theatre dates, which take place in April 2025, here. Please note, Philip Childs will be play the role of Grandad in Canterbury.

The full list of dates and venues can be found on the Only Fools and Horses the Musical website.

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