The smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical is coming to Sheffield City Hall from May 26 to 31, 2025, featuring beloved characters including Del Boy, Rodney, and Grandad (played by Paul Whitehouse) direct from its record-breaking four-year sold-out run in London’s West End.
Paul Whitehouse as Grandad
Comedy legend Paul Whitehouse is reprising his West End starring role as the lovable Grandad in the UK and Ireland tour of Only Fools and Horses The Musical. As co-writer of the book, lyrics, and original music alongside Jim Sullivan (son of the original TV series creator John Sullivan), Whitehouse brings both creative and performing talents to the production. His return to the character comes after the show’s record-breaking four-year run in London’s West End, with Whitehouse expressing, “I’m delighted to return to the role of Grandad once more – I’ve really missed him.”
While Whitehouse will appear at select venues throughout the 10-month tour, including the Sheffield City Hall performances, Philip Childs will play Grandad at venues where Whitehouse is unavailable, as he did during the West End run. Fans can check the official tour schedule to confirm which performances will feature Whitehouse, who is scheduled to appear at sixteen venues including Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Liverpool, and Belfast.
Del Boy and Rodney’s Journey
The musical brings to life the iconic relationship between Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, capturing their journey from the original BBC sitcom that ran from 1981 to 2003. Set in 1989, the stage adaptation focuses on a pivotal time when Del Boy is searching for love through a dating agency where he meets Raquel, while Rodney prepares to marry Cassandra. Their contrasting personalities—Del as the ambitious, wheeler-dealer market trader running Trotters Independent Traders, and Rodney as his more idealistic but socially awkward younger brother—provide the heart of the story.
The production faithfully recreates memorable moments from the beloved series, including Del Boy’s famous bar fall that audiences eagerly anticipate. Sam Lupton portrays the sheepskin-coated Del Boy, while Tom Major impresses in his first professional role as Rodney, capturing the character’s distinctive voice and mannerisms. The musical doesn’t just rely on nostalgia but develops the brothers’ relationship against the backdrop of the yuppie invasion of London, showcasing how their bond remains constant despite their differences and life changes
Chas & Dave Musical Contributions
The musical legacy of rockney duo Chas & Dave is woven throughout Only Fools and Horses, most notably with their song “Margate” featuring in the iconic 1989 “Jolly Boys’ Outing” episode. This special version, with minor lyric changes and voiced by David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, played during the end credits and was later released on vinyl in 2019 to mark the episode’s 30th anniversary. The connection between Chas & Dave and the show runs deeper than this single appearance, as the duo had originally been offered the chance to record the theme song for the sitcom but turned it down due to being in Australia following the success of their hit “Ain’t No Pleasing You.”
For the musical adaptation, Chas Hodges collaborated with John Sullivan before both passed away, creating songs that would later be discovered by Sullivan’s son Jim. These lost recordings, including the track “Where Have All The Cockneys Gone?”, were incorporated into the production with Paul Whitehouse’s help. The musical features contributions from Chas & Dave alongside original compositions, with their distinctive cockney rock style perfectly complementing the show’s working-class London setting. Their musical influence helps create the authentic “rockney” atmosphere that makes the stage adaptation a genuine celebration of the culture that defined the original series.
Staying in Sheffield – Best Western Sheffield City Hotel
For those attending Only Fools and Horses The Musical, the Best Western Sheffield City Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable place to stay, just a short walk from Sheffield City Hall.
- Located in the heart of the city, this welcoming hotel features:
- Modern, well-equipped rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi
- On-site bar and breakfast options
- 24-hour reception and luggage storage
- Easy access to shops, restaurants, and transport links
Whether you’re visiting Sheffield for a night of laughter and nostalgia or planning a weekend getaway, this centrally located hotel is the perfect base for your stay.
