Only Fools and Horses The Musical to close after four years, ending its record-breaking West End run
Only Fools and Horses The Musical will close after four years, after becoming London Haymarket Theater’s longest-running show in its 200-year history.
Co-writer and star Paul Whitehouse announced Tuesday that the last performance will be in April, adding that a six-month television engagement scheduled to begin in May was a factor behind the decision.
However, he did confirm that the show will tour the UK and further details will be confirmed later this year.
End of an era: Only Fools and Horses The Musical will close after four years, after becoming London Haymarket Theater’s longest-running show in its 200-year history.
Paul, 64, said: “It’s been an incredible four years for the entire cast of the musical Only Fools.
“We have consistently played to sold-out houses and received standing ovations night after night – the crowd has been incredible.
“I committed to shooting for six months starting in May, so I felt the time was right to say ‘Bonjour’ to Del and the gang…for now.
“But we are planning a UK tour, further details will be announced later this year, and we hope to bring the show back to the West End at some point in the future.
The final song: Co-writer and star Paul Whitehouse announced Tuesday that the last performance will be in April.
“But for now, there are only three months left to get a ticket to see us at the Theater Royal. Shower bonnet.
The musical opened in February 2019 and recently celebrated its 1,000th performance.
The show has been a hit with fans and critics alike, as well as former sitcom stars who attended its premiere and celebratory performances.
Paul co-wrote the show with Jim Sullivan, the son of legendary Only Fools and Horses creator John Sullivan, who passed away in 2011, who always dreamed of bringing the show to the West End.
Bottom line: The musical opened in February 2019 and recently celebrated its 1,000th performance.
After Life and PhoneShop star Tom Bennett plays the iconic Del Boy, actor Ryan Hutton plays brother Rodney, while comedy legend Paul takes on the role of the grandfather.
Speaking earlier this month, Paul said the show’s popularity was summed up in the fact that it managed to overcome both the Covid and cost-of-living crises.
He explains, “It just goes to show that even in times of real misery, you need to laugh at the bad times.”
‘We’re all very proud that we’ve been able to provide that to people.
‘If someone told you a few years ago that your energy bills would go up 400 per cent, you wouldn’t believe them.
Hit: The show has been a hit with fans and critics alike, as well as the former sitcom stars who attended its premiere and celebratory performances.
“It’s been a tough few years, which makes it even more of an achievement that we’re still here.”
Reflecting on the show’s premiere nearly three years ago, Paul says he wasn’t sure it would be a hit because fans of the sitcom are so protective of it.
He adds: “There’s always potential when you have something as brilliant as Only Fools and I knew we had a good show, but I didn’t know how people would react because it means so much to the fans.”
“I talk to some people who watch an episode every day, so that’s what we’re dealing with.
‘So if we hadn’t done the right job, people weren’t going to come. People are very protective of it, so you never know how it’s going to happen. But luckily she loved them.
For more information on tickets for the remaining shows, visit the Only Fools and Horses The Musical website
For more information on tickets for the remaining shows, visit the Only Fools and Horses The Musical website