Last night (18/03), Milton Keynes was whisked away to the heart of Peckham and right into the world of the iconic TV show! Only Fools and Horses The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre was everything I hoped for and more! A ‘Lovely Jubbly’ Night Out!
Proper cushty fun from start to finish!
If you’re a fan of the Only Fools and Horses (like me), you’ll be grinning from start to finish, but even if you’ve never seen an episode, Only Fools and Horses: The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre is still an absolute treat. I grew up watching the TV show because my dad was (and still is!) a huge fan. We went to see the musical together in London’s West End back in 2019 and absolutely loved it. So, when I found out it was coming to Milton Keynes, I couldn’t wait to see it again and it didn’t disappoint! I would happily watch it a third time… and I just might, since it is showing for two weeks at Milton Keynes Theatre!
The cast absolutely nailed the characters that we all know and love: Del Boy (was played by understudy Andrew Bryant), Rodney (played by Tom Major), and Grandad (played by Philip Childs)—they had the voices, mannerisms, and comic timing spot on. It felt like the Trotters had stepped straight out of the TV and onto the Milton Keynes stage!
I was genuinely blown away when I found out that this was Tom Majors (who played Rodney) professional theatre debut! You would never have guessed. He completely embodied the character from start to finish. He had Rodney’s awkward charm down to a tee, with perfect comic timing. His chemistry with Del Boy was spot-on, and every time he delivered one of Rodney’s classic lines, I was in stitches, along with the rest of the audience.
I also want to give a huge shout-out to the actor who stepped in as Del Boy on the night. Andrew Bryant took on the iconic role, and he was brilliant! He had the charm, the cheekiness, and his delivery was spot-on, he did the role proud. Cushty doesn’t even cover it!
The loveable Grandad (played by Philip Childs) finds his perfect counterpart in Only Fools & Horses The Musical. His timing, wit, and hilarious one-liners bring a delightful warmth to the production.
Every cast member brought so much energy, talent, and heart to the show. Whether they were playing familiar faces from the classic episodes or doubling up in different roles, each member of the cast made Peckham come alive!
Raquel (played by Georgina Hagen) brought such warmth, charm, and depth to the character, and her voice is stunning! Marlene and Cassandra (both played by Nicola Munns) was incredible. Her portrayal of Marline brought her confident energy to life. As for Cassandra, Nicola seamlessly transitioned between the two characters, bringing a quieter, more grounded presence to the stage. You wouldn’t know that these two characters were played by the same actress! Outstanding!
Boycie (played by Craig Berry) was nothing short of brilliant. Craig embodied the pompous, self-important character perfectly. And the “laugh” was perfect! Trigger (played by Lee VG) was a comedic gem throughout the performance. Denzil (played by Bradley John), Danny Driscoll and Mickey Pearce (both played by Darryl Paul) were just brilliant!
I loved the stage design and how smoothly they transitioned between scenes. Whether we were in the Nag’s Head, the Trotters flat, or out on the streets of Peckham, the set changes were clever, seamless, and full of fun little details that made you smile. The energy never dropped for a second! The staging was clever and slick, even the chandelier scene (you’ll know what I mean when you see it!) was handled brilliantly.
The songs are a delightful mix of catchy melodies and witty lyrics that capture the humour and heart of the original TV series. The iconic theme tune instantly draws the audience in with its familiar charm. I personally loved the musical number ‘A Bit of a Sort’ with its playful lyrics and upbeat melody perfectly embodying the cheeky, mischievous spirit of the show.
If you get the chance to see Only Fools and Horses: The Musical while it’s in Milton Keynes this week, I’d say grab it – you’ll have a cushty time!
This performance is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 29th March 2025. Tickets are available from £40.50 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
