The veteran actor was happy to smile with the cast of the musical (Image: PA)
, the original Del Boy, graced the Only Fools and Horses Musical Gala Night at London’s Hammersmith Apollo this evening.
The star-studded event celebrated tough guy Vinnie Jones’ stage acting debut as Danny Driscoll in the musical. Comedy legend Paul Whitehouse returned as Grandad, while Sam Lupton took on the role of Del Boy.
When asked about his expectations for the show, David Jason admitted: “I don’t know, I am full of anticipation. I have heard it is very good but Im going to make my mind up when I see it. But it is getting big (theatre) houses, which is the main thing. So people are telling each other how good it is.”
He also paid tribute to the show’s original writer, John Sullivan, saying: “I’m sure John would be as pleased as punch to see how successful it is, because it’s still reaching the audience that he wrote it for any key moments or characters.”
He attributed the enduring success of Only Fools to John’s exceptional writing skills, adding: “One of the things that I’ve discovered about Fools and Horses – it’s nearly 40 years ago when the first episode came out – is that it was written by a guy who knew the area he was talking about. He came from there”, reports .
:
Sir David’s rare outing saw him pose with Del Boy actor, Sam Lupton (Image: PA)
“So not only was he just a gifted a brilliant writer, but he knew his characters, and he knew what it was like to be there. And one of the other things I think about the show, which I’ve always been a great fan of, and I’ve loved, is we never used any bad language.
“There are a lot of words in the show that describe unfortunate swearing, but they’re cleverly disguised, like plonker, things like that. Well, that sounds funny, and it is, but it’s not vulgar.”
The stage adaptation of the beloved sitcom invites audiences for a nostalgic jaunt to Peckham, amidst the yuppie invasion of London.
Romance is afoot as Del Boy embarks on a quest for love, Rodney and Cassandra are on the verge of matrimony, and even Trigger is prepping for romance.
Comedy icon Paul Whitehouse is playing the famous role of Grandad (Image: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/REX/Shutterstock)
Boycie and Marlene take another stab at parenting, while Grandad reflects on his life.
Earning rave reviews, the musical is playing in London until January 5 before setting off on a UK and Ireland tour.
Vinnie Jones, the 59 year old ex-footballer famed for his hardman roles in Guy Ritchie’s Snatch and Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, is set to make his theatrical debut in this acclaimed production.
He’s set to portray Danny Driscoll, one half of the infamous Driscoll brothers, in the stage adaptation shaped by actor-author Paul Whitehouse and John Sullivan’s son, Jim Sullivan.
Upon his casting, Jones shared: “I’ve always been a fan of Only Fools And Horses, and when my longtime friend, (the promoter) Phil McIntyre called me up and said he was interested in me playing the role of Danny Driscoll, I told him to count me in.”
He also expressed enthusiasm for the team behind the production: “The director C Jay Ranger and her creative team are great and I’m excited to contribute to the legacy of the show.”
Don’t miss… [WATCH] [READ]
Sir David Jason makes rare outing as he attends Only Fools and Horses Musical (Image: PA)
Post the London stint, Jones will bow out as the touring production continues. Debuting on One in September 1981, Only Fools and Horses became a fixture through seven series and sixteen Christmas specials until its culmination on 25 December 2003.
Altogether, the show graced screens with 64 episodes, all penned by John Sullivan.