Only Fools and Horses The Musical Delivers Laughs, Heart & Pure Peckham Nostalgia

Last night we rolled into Belfast’s Grand Opera House hoping for swagger, silliness, and sentimental sparkle and Only Fools and Horses delivered it in abundance

Running until Saturday 28th June, this all-singing, all-laughing celebration of Del Boy and co. had the crowd howling from the first curtain rose to the final singalong.

For anyone who adored the original series, the idea of a musical might raise an eyebrow but this production strikes gold. It’s bursting with sharp one-liners, clever nods to classic episodes, and surprisingly heartfelt moments that lift the characters off the telly and onto the stage

Sam Lupton is a knockout as Del Boy, capturing his lovable bravado with effortless charm. His comic timing is second to none, especially during the side-splitting scene when Del gets ready for a Rodneys Stag doo and strips down to a pair of leopard-print undies. The audience was in hysterics, and rightly so.

Paul Whitehouse shined as Grandad, bringing heart and razor-sharp humour, his monologue about his haemorrhoids nearly brought the house down. How he remembers all those lines so seamlessly is a credit to his craft.

Making his professional debut, Tom Majoris a brilliant Rodney, perfectly gormless with just the right mix of vulnerability and dry wit. His chemistry with the cast is spot on, he’s got a bright future ahead.

Trigger, played by Lee VG, had the crowd giggling every time he called Rodney “Dave” one of those classic running gags that landed every single time.

The cast overall was phenomenal, Georgina Hagen’s Raquel was warm and dignified, Nicola Munns switched brilliantly between Marlene and Cassandra I didn't even notice it was the same person, until I saw it on the cast list, and Craig Berry delivered a fantastically smug Boycie, complete with his big LAFFFs. Bradley John’s Denzil rounded out the ensemble perfectly, each actor brought something truly special.

And let’s not forget the staging. The scene changes were slick and transportive, whisking us from flat to pub to Peckham market with ease. When the famous yellow Trotter van rolled onstage, the cheers said it all, a brilliant nod that gave the crowd a real buzz. The recreation of The Nags Head, complete with bar , was another knockout, full of nostalgia and detail.

The music was a triumph throughout, with great vocals across the board. But the moment of the night, for me, was Gloria Acquaah-Harrison’s solo. Her voice was nothing short of spine-tingling, raw, powerful, and completely captivating. It was the kind of performance that stays with you long after the final bow.

As for that finale? Pure joy. The whole theatre erupted into a singalong of the theme tune, arms waving and voices raised in unison. It was the perfect end to a night of humour, heart, and good old-fashioned British charm.

You’d be a plonker to miss it. Get over to GOH.co.uk and snap up those tickets