Paul Whitehouse on Only Fools and Horses The Musical: "A Daunting Task"
The highly anticipated musical adaptation of the beloved British sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, is set to take the stage at the Liverpool Empire from June 9-21. As the show’s co-creator, Paul Whitehouse, sat down with YMLiverpool to discuss his unexpected involvement in the project, the challenges of bringing the iconic characters and moments to life on stage, and his role as Grandad.
According to YMLiverpool, Whitehouse was approached by the show’s producers to help finish the job after the original creator, John Sullivan, sadly passed away. "I was approached by the show’s producers, who had been discussing the project for some time," Whitehouse revealed. "The original idea came from John Sullivan, the creator of Only Fools and Horses. He wanted to do a musical version of Only Fools and had started working with Chas Hodges (of Chas & Dave). They’d written one song together when, very sadly, John passed away – he was still young, only in his sixties."
As reported by YMLiverpool, Whitehouse worked closely with Chas Hodges to develop the musical, which features a storyline that incorporates many of the beloved characters and moments from the original series. "Originally, I think John Sullivan wanted to use the plot of the Christmas special ‘Dates’ – the one where Del meets Raquel," Whitehouse explained. "So we used that as the bare bones. But we’ve also included Rodney and Cassandra’s marriage, Trigger, and Boycie and Marlene’s storyline about going to the fertility clinic. There are some very poignant moments in it – but we’re never far away from a gag."
The musical is set in the late 1980s, a time period that Whitehouse believes is crucial to the show’s themes and characters. "We set the show in 1988/89, which I think is quite important because it marks the point when Grandad’s world was changing, and a new world was emerging with yuppies, mobile phones and personal computers," he said. "There’s even a scene where Trigger looks into his gran’s crystal ball and sees the gentrified version of Peckham today. We try to keep it relevant with moments like that, but it’s still 100% Only Fools and Horses – everything you want from the show."
As noted by YMLiverpool, one of the biggest challenges faced by Whitehouse and the production team was deciding which moments and characters to include in the show. "Trying to fit everyone’s favourite moments from seven series (plus the Christmas specials) into just two hours was the hardest thing," Whitehouse admitted. "We tried to crowbar in everyone’s favourite gags – or at least a reference to them. The female characters get more time in the spotlight as well – Cassandra, Raquel and Marlene all have their own showpieces."
Whitehouse also discussed his role as Grandad in the musical, a character he believes has a unique vulnerability. "I always liked Grandad – he was quite a sympathetic character," he said. "There was a bit of vulnerability about him. A lot of the other characters in Only Fools were pretty brassy and bold – obviously, that was the point – but you have to have some vulnerability somewhere, and I thought he had that."
In addition to his work on Only Fools and Horses The Musical, Whitehouse is also set to appear in the eighth series of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, alongside his co-star, Bob Mortimer. According to YMLiverpool, the new series will feature even more personal and poignant moments, with each fishing location chosen for its significance to the duo.
Only Fools and Horses The Musical runs at the Liverpool Empire from June 9-21. For tickets, visit OnlyFoolsonStage.com. YMLiverpool has learned that fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the production, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
The musical promises to be a treat for fans of the original series, with many of the beloved characters and moments making an appearance. As YMLiverpool reported, the show’s producers have worked hard to ensure that the musical stays true to the spirit of the original series, while also introducing new elements to keep the show fresh and exciting.
Overall, Only Fools and Horses The Musical is set to be a major hit with fans of the original series, and YMLiverpool is proud to have had the opportunity to speak with Paul Whitehouse about his involvement in the project. With its talented cast, catchy music, and faithful adaptation of the original series, this musical is not to be missed.
YMLiverpool recommends that fans of the show book their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. The musical’s run at the Liverpool Empire is a rare opportunity to see this beloved show on stage, and it is expected to be a popular event.
Fans of Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer will also be interested to know that the eighth series of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is set to be released later this year. YMLiverpool will be bringing you more information about this and other upcoming projects in the coming months.
For now, fans can look forward to enjoying Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Liverpool Empire from June 9-21. Don’t miss out on this fantastic production, which promises to bring the beloved characters and moments of the original series to life on stage in a whole new way.
Get your tickets now and be a part of this unforgettable theatrical experience. Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a must-see event that will leave you laughing and singing along to the iconic tunes of the show.
YMLiverpool is your premier source for news and information about the Liverpool area, and we are proud to bring you this exclusive interview with Paul Whitehouse about Only Fools and Horses The Musical.
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Whether you’re a fan of Only Fools and Horses, Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, or just looking for a great night out at the theatre, YMLiverpool has got you covered.
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In conclusion, Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a fantastic production that is sure to delight fans of the original series. With its talented cast, catchy music, and faithful adaptation of the show, this musical is a must-see event that will leave you laughing and singing along.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this beloved show on stage – get your tickets now for Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Liverpool Empire from June 9-21.
YMLiverpool will be bringing you more news and updates from the world of entertainment in the coming months, so be sure to check back with us for the latest information.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this exclusive interview with Paul Whitehouse about Only Fools and Horses The Musical, and we look forward to bringing you more interviews and reviews of the latest productions in the future.
Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at the theatre!
