Only Fools and Horses The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre

With a script and original score by Jim Sullivan (John Sullivan’s son) and comedy icon Paul Whitehouse, the show stays true to its roots while offering fans a fresh way to experience Britain’s most lovable rogues. And while the sitcom may have passed some audience members by, it certainly didn’t stop them from enjoying the well-timed comedy, sharp performances, and nostalgic references woven throughout the production.

The cast embraced their iconic roles with remarkable attention to detail. Andrew Bryant (Cover) stepped into the role of Del Boy with ease, keeping the show moving with a confident and charismatic performance. Tom Major delivered a pitch-perfect Rodney, and Philip Childs brought warmth and familiarity as Grandad.

Among the standout performances was Georgina Hagen as Raquel—what a voice! Her vocal talent added a real spark to the production. Lee VG as Trigger was a clear audience favourite, effortlessly channeling the deadpan delivery that made the character so beloved. Craig Berry and Nicola Munns gave entertaining turns as Boycie and Marlene, while the ensemble worked hard to bring Peckham’s world to life on stage.

Fans will be pleased to see that many of the classic jokes and references from the sitcom remain intact, drawing plenty of laughs from the audience. The script pays homage to the original series while ensuring the characters feel just as familiar as ever.

However, where the show shines in comedy, it doesn’t quite hit the same heights musically. While the songs were performed well and I particularly enjoyed Marlene and Boycie’s number, many of the other songs felt somewhat forgettable. Given the strength of the characters and writing, this may have worked better as a straight play rather than a musical but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the night.

One thing was certain—this show has a dedicated audience. The Theatre was filled with fans of a certain demographic, proving the enduring popularity of Only Fools and Horses. But even for those unfamiliar with the sitcom, the humour, larger-than-life characters, and well-paced delivery ensured an entertaining evening.

While the musical numbers may not be its strongest suit, the performances and faithful recreation of the beloved sitcom make this a great night out for fans of Del, Rodney, and the gang. Lovely jubbly!