Only Fools and Horses The Musical is set to come to Belfast and Dublin in 2025 as part of a tour around the UK and Ireland.
The popular hit stage version of the classic BBC sitcom initially ended its West End run earlier in the year after four successful years. The production saw over 1,000 performances at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
The musical adaptation of the show was adapted by actor and writer Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, the son of original series writer John Sullivan.
‘Only Fools And Horses The Musical’ is planned to hit the road once again next year for a tour that will take place around Ireland and the UK, with its run ending in Dublin and Belfast in 2025.
Only Fools and Horses – an iconic show
Only Fools and Horses was an iconic TV show and is still revered by many generations today. The original series, written by John Sullivan, first aired on the BBC in 1981.
While the show was not an instant hit with viewers, it later achieved consistently high ratings, with the 1996 episode ‘Time on Our Hands’ holding the record for the highest UK audience for a sitcom episode, attracting approximately 24.3 million viewers.
The show follows the characters of Del Boy, Rodney, and Grandad (later Uncle Albert) as they experience the highs and lows involved with their attempts to make it big and get rich.
The show has truly stood the test of time, as it is still widely regarded as a great show enjoyed by many different generations.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical – an entertaining musical
The musical features elements from the whole series and took a total of five years to complete. It also possesses the TV show’s original score, including contributions from the late Chas Hodges.
The original West End director, Caroline Jay Ranger, will lead the touring production, and casting will be announced in early 2024.
The musical’s run will end with shows at Belfast’s Grand Opera House in June 2025 before its final performance on 5 July at Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy Theatre.
The musical follows Del Boy trying to find his soulmate, his brother Rodney getting married to Cassandra, and Boycie and Marlene attempting to give parenthood one last go.
The musical is described as a “feel-good family celebration of traditional working-class London life in 1989 and the aspirations we all share”.
Paul Whitehouse – stars as the character of Grandad in the musical
Paul Whitehouse starred as Grandad in the West End show.
When speaking about the prospect of the musical going on tour, he said, “Following four amazing years in the West End, I’m thrilled we are announcing today that Only Fools And Horses The Musical is going on tour.
“I’ve long been asked by many fans when this might happen, so I’m delighted to confirm that the show will be coming to a theatre near you from September next year.
“All of the characters we know and love from the Only Fools television series will be live on stage as we take Peckham on the road. Bonnet de douche”.
Keep an eye on tickets for the Belfast and Dublin show dates here.
