Only Fools and Horses The Musical must close after four years

Only Fools and Horses The Musical is due to close after four years, having become London Haymarket Theater’s longest-running show in its 200-year history.

Co-writer and star Paul Whitehouse announced on Tuesday that the final performance will take place in April, adding that a six-month TV engagement scheduled to begin in May was a factor behind the decision.

However, he has confirmed the show will tour the UK with more details to be confirmed later this year.

Paul, 64, said: “It has been an incredible four years for the entire cast of the musical Only Fools.

“We have always played to packed houses and received standing ovations night after night – the audience has been incredible.

‘I’ve committed to filming for six months from May, so it was a good time to say ‘Hello’ to Del and the gang…for now.

“But we are planning a UK tour – more details to be announced later this year – and hope to bring the show back to the West End at some point in the future.

The Last Song: Co-writer and star Paul Whitehouse announced on Tuesday that the last performance will take place in April

“But at the moment there are only three months left to get a ticket to see us at the Theater Royal. Shower cap.

The musical debuted in February 2019 and recently celebrated its 1,000th performance.

The show was a hit with fans and critics, 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 died in 2011, who always dreamed of taking the show to the West End.

Conclusion: The musical debuted 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 stars as his brother Rodney, while comedy legend Paul takes on the role of grandpa.

Speaking earlier this month, Paul said the show’s popularity boiled down to the fact that it had weathered both Covid and the cost of living crisis.

He explains, “It proves that even in times of real misery, you have to laugh in the bad times.

“We are all very proud to have been able to offer this to people.

“If someone told you a few years ago that your energy bills would go up 400%, you wouldn’t believe it.

Hit: The show was a hit with fans and critics, as well as 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.”

Looking back on the show’s opening nearly three years ago, Paul says he wasn’t sure it would be a hit because the sitcom’s fans 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 were going to 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 wouldn’t come. People are so protective, so you never know how it’s going to turn out. But luckily they loved it.

For ticket information for the remaining shows, visit the Only Fools and Horses The Musical website

For ticket information for the remaining shows, visit the Only Fools and Horses The Musical website