"Only Fools and Horses" is coming to the West End of London thanks to the bright idea of re-launching Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad Trotter in a new musical production, the Telegraph reported. The reincarnation of Peckham’s finest unites the assorted talents of comedian Paul Whitehouse, "PhoneShop" star Tom Bennett and upcoming actor Ryan Hutton in the main roles this time around, as they attempt to put a fresh spin on the popular British television show.
Fans may be slightly disappointed that original actors Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst will not be joining the exciting new project, but Whitehouse sees plenty to enthuse about in the freshly-assembled cast. He will play Grandad Trotter in the comedy musical when the production begins a five-month run in London’s West End from next February, as Bennett steps into the shoes of Del Boy and Hutton portrays his slightly dippy younger brother, Rodney.
Collaboration for Whitehouse with Jim Sullivan
Whitehouse hooked up with Jim Sullivan on the script, the son of the visionary John Sullivan who penned the original television series.
Sadly, John passed away in 2011 but the baton for keeping the Trotter’s adventures going seems to have passed on to safe hands in the form of his son. It hasn’t been taken lightly though, as they have spent the past three years honing the show after starting with an original idea for a traditional all-singing and all-dancing knees-up that John had begun.
Chas and Dave influence on the music
Transporting their devoted fans back to 1989, the show is expected to include scenes from the television series in addition to twenty new songs, several of which were written by the late Chas and Dave star Chas Hodges before his death earlier this year. Avid devotees of the comedy classic may also recognise a familiar theme to the Theatre production, as it draws on the Christmas special in 1988 when Del and wife-to-be Raquel met for the first time.
Return of many of the regulars
Many of the familiar characters on the show will also be joining in on the fun, as the likes of the unforgettable Trigger, Boycie, Marlene and Denzil will form a strong cast, albeit again with different actors from the TV series featuring in those roles.
Promising early ticket sales
The early signs look extremely promising with plenty of interest on social media backing the new venture and early ticket sales reportedly backing up that optimism. Since tickets went on sale earlier this week, theatre insiders reported queues building up as Only Fools’ nostalgia seems to have flooded back for many and the website has been extremely busy.