Sir David Jason was deeply touched after attending the gala night of Only Fools And Horses The Musical, which has made a comeback for a UK and Ireland tour. The beloved actor, known for his iconic role as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the original BBC series, shared his thoughts with the PA news agency: “It’s hysterical, it’s very, very good.”
He expressed his delight at the use of the original script, saying: “What I liked about it was that so much of the original script was used and they did it so well that sometimes it surprised me, and I laughed.” Sir David recalled: “And so the whole show was a memory for me of it all, the scripts, the characters. It was lovely to see them all and they all worked so well together, kind of like we did from the beginning… I’m so touched.”
The musical’s script and score were written by John Sullivan’s son Jim and actor Paul Whitehouse. After its stay in London, the production is set to entertain audiences in Newcastle, Oxford, Cardiff, Liverpool, and will conclude with five performances in Dublin in July.
Attending the event in a flat cap reminiscent of his character’s style, Sir David, 84, commented on the electric atmosphere, joking: “They got a standing ovation at the end. I had to walk out, I was embarrassed. How dare they? How dare they get a standing ovation and I missed it.”
Reflecting on the memories of the shoot, he shared “it did a lot” and went on to say, “And some of the good characters and actors who are no longer with us, too, almost brought a tear to my eye. “
The London stage will welcome ex-footballer Vinnie Jones for his theatrical debut, playing one half of the infamous Driscoll brothers, alongside comedy legend Whitehouse returning as Grandpa ‘Ted’ Trotter. The show, which encapsulates the entire series, took five years to perfect and boasts an original score featuring pieces by the late Chas Hodges.
Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, who helmed the original West End production, the play follows Del Boy in his search for love, Rodney’s marriage to Cassandra and Boycie and Marlene’s last attempt at parenthood. The tour kicked off in Bromley in September and will visit over 30 venues before ending in Ireland in July.
It has been hailed as a “feelgood family celebration of traditional working-class life in London in 1989 and the aspirations we all share”. The beloved TV series, written by Sullivan and first broadcast on the BBC in 1981, chronicled the vivid adventures of market trader Del Boy (Sir David) and his less savvy brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst), capturing their triumphs and struggles in the pursuit of riches.
Sir David was best known for his portrayal of Del Boy, but he also shone in roles such as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch Of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds Of May throughout his illustrious career.
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