'I've never watched Only Fools and Horses – one thing left me gobsmacked'

Only Fools And Horses is a beloved BBC TV show (Image: BBC)

I've got a confession to make... I've never watched an episode of Only Fools and Horses.

Despite it being one of the most beloved British sitcoms, I've never sat down and watched a full episode. Yes, I've seen clips here and there but I've just never felt the urge to see what all the fuss is about.

This recent admission to my dad, who is a big Only Fools fan, left him gobsmacked, so when the BBC show's musical adaptation announced it was going on another tour around the UK, I thought I had better try it.

I didn't go into it completely blind, as I knew some of the iconic catchphrases and, of course, the famous theme song, but I didn't know what to expect as I've never found slapstick humour particularly funny.

But I was pleasantly surprised within just a few minutes of the curtains rising, with the cast singing the famous song as they worked hard at the market.

SUBMITTED PHOTO. Only Fools and Horses the Musical, national tour. (Image: Only Fools)

I found I didn't need to know the show inside out, or feel nostalgic while watching it, as the humour seemed to translate on stage, with Del Boy's antics and Grandad's dry wit resonating with the audience.

Sam Lupton and Tom Major's portrayals as Del Boy and Rodney Trotter hit the nail on the head, with their renditions of the iconic characters not straying very far from what people familiar with the BBC series would expect.

Equally, Paul Whitehouse was impressive as both Grandad and Uncle Albert, with his impression leaving my dad in stitches as he appeared during the second half.

In a moment of heckling as he made his entrance as Albert, he didn't hesitate to tell an audience member he'd "lamp him one", perfectly sticking to the character.

Vinnie Jones was a good addition - but his character needs work (Image: PA)

However, the musical wasn't without its flaws, as I found a few of the songs interrupted the flow of the story, with Trigger's look into 2024 and Rodney and Cassandra's marriage duet both leaving me fidgeting.

But Raquel's About the Girl was by far the strongest song in the play, bar the energetic rendition of the theme song, and I thought Georgina Hagen was one of the strongest characters despite her relatively small part.

Some of the songs seemed a bit unnecessary, and even though I thought Vinnie Jones was a charismatic addition, I couldn't help but feel they could have padded his character out a bit more as it felt like a superficial role for such a big name.

In fairness to Vinnie, he did a good job in the role, and clearly enjoyed himself as Danny Driscoll, but I found it bizarre how Del Boy's attack was quickly brushed over with Driscoll then joining the party in the Nag's Head for the final song.

We came away from the production feeling like we'd had a good time, but has it convinced me to head to BBC iPlayer and binge watch all of the old episodes? I'm sorry to say no.

However, if you're a fan of the show, I would definitely recommend giving the musical a go as whilst it wasn't perfect, there was certainly a feel good factor and my dad said he definitely had a strong feeling of nostalgia as they did their own takes on some of the show's best jokes, including a fake chandlier drop during Phantom of the Opera, Raquel being uncovered as a stripper and Boycie and Marlene's trip to the doctor.

Only Fools And Horses plays at Eventim Apollo in London until 5th January 2025. Tickets available here

It is then touring the UK in 2025. Dates and tickets here