Only Fools and Horses Musical Issues Strong Warning After Cast Targeted by Racist Abuse.
The cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical expressed feelings of “hurt” and “upset” following a performance that was disrupted by racist heckling from an audience member. Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who portray Denzil Tulser and Mrs. Obooko, were specifically targeted by the heckler, who also hurled general insults.
This led the production team to release a statement denouncing such behavior and reminding attendees that any form of abuse would not be tolerated. The incident occurred during last Friday's show at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, where the musical is currently running for three weeks, featuring guest star Vinnie Jones, before embarking on a UK tour.
Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who plays Mrs Obooko, was targeted by the lout
An eyewitness said “The crowd was lively and in high spirits for the show, but this individual ruined parts of the performance for those nearby. What was said was completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, security couldn’t pinpoint the person to remove them from the venue.” A source close to the production mentioned: “The cast was clearly shaken; it’s not something you expect in everyday life, let alone on stage. Other cast members were also distressed, unable to believe what they were hearing and sympathizing with those affected.”
Describing the show as warm and fun, they emphasized that such behavior is entirely unacceptable. On Saturday, the production team reiterated their zero-tolerance policy regarding abusive conduct. Their statement read: “At Only Fools and Horses The Musical, we prioritize respect and kindness towards everyone. We expect our audiences to uphold the same standards. Any unkind remarks, bullying, discrimination, or abuse directed at our cast or crew will not be tolerated by the producers or the venues. We demand respect both on and off the stage. We are dedicated to collaborating with venue teams to foster an environment of respect, inclusivity, and safety for our cast, crew, and audience.”
Denzil, a beloved character from the original BBC TV series featuring David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, is a fan favorite who inspired the musical adaptation. Portrayed by the talented Paul Barber, 73, Denzil was one of Del Boy and Rodney’s closest friends. Barber later appeared in the popular 1997 film The Full Monty, where he played a member of a group of stripping steelworkers.
The stage show introduces Mrs. Obooko, a character created specifically for this production. She is part of the ensemble and showcases some impressive singing performances. The cast includes football legend Vinnie as the gangster Danny Driscoll during the London performances, along with the hilarious Paul Whitehouse from The Fast Show, who plays the role of granddad. Recently, all the cast members had the pleasure of being photographed with Sir David, 84, the star of Del Boy, as he visited the theatre to offer his best wishes.
The incident at Only Fools and Horses The Musical highlights the need for respect and inclusivity in live performances. The production team’s swift response emphasizes their commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for cast, crew, and audience, reinforcing their zero-tolerance policy against abuse of any kind.
