Iconic Musicals: GREASE and Only Fools and Horses The Musical Head to the UK and Ireland in 2024

Musical enthusiasts and fans of iconic productions, get ready for a spectacular treat in 2024 as two timeless classics, GREASE and Only Fools and Horses The Musical, are set to captivate audiences in the UK and Ireland. Directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, GREASE will take you on a nostalgic journey filled with unforgettable songs and memorable characters. Meanwhile, Only Fools and Horses The Musical, which enjoyed a record-breaking run in London’s West End, brings the beloved Trotters back to life with the help of a script by John Sullivan’s son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy legend Paul Whitehouse. This article explores the history, highlights, and tour dates for both of these remarkable musicals.

The Timeless Appeal of GREASE

GREASE originally graced the stage in 1971, opening in Chicago before making its way to Broadway in 1972. It quickly became a sensation, earning seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. The production ran for eight years, providing a platform for emerging talents such as Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze, and John Travolta. Notably, Richard Gere understudied various roles before ultimately taking on the role of Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere.

After its initial success, GREASE returned to the West End, debuting at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before moving to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It made yet another triumphant return in 2007, this time at the Piccadilly Theatre. These multiple comebacks speak to the enduring popularity of the musical and its ability to capture the hearts of audiences across generations.

The 1978 film adaptation, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, further solidified GREASE’s place in musical history. The film is the fourth highest-grossing live-action musical of all time, featuring beloved songs like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” and “You’re The One That I Want.”

The GREASE UK and Ireland Tour Dates

Here are the eagerly anticipated tour dates for GREASE in 2024:

• 12 – 20 April: Bromley Churchill Theatre
• 23 April – 4 May: Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre
• 7 – 11 May: Hull New Theatre
• 13 – 18 May: Royal & Derngate Northampton
• 21 – 25 May: Ipswich Regent Theatre
• 27 May – 1 June: Liverpool Empire Theatre
• 3 – 8 June: Norwich Theatre Royal
• 10 – 15 June: Newcastle Theatre Royal
• 17 – 22 June: Glasgow Kings Theatre
• 25 – 29 June: Edinburgh Playhouse
• 2 – 6 July: Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre
• 15 – 20 July: Birmingham Alexandra
• 23 – 27 July: Truro Hall for Cornwall
• 29 July – 3 August: Bradford Alhambra Theatre
• 5 – 10 August: Milton Keynes Theatre
• 12 – 17 August: Eastbourne Congress
• 19 – 24 August: Blackpool Opera House
• 27 – 31 August: Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
• 2 – 7 September: Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
• 16 – 21 September: Bristol Hippodrome
• 24 – 28 September: Oxford New Theatre
• 30 September – 5 October: Dartford Orchard Theatre
• 8 – 12 October: Manchester Palace Theatre
• 21 – 26 October: High Wycombe Swan Theatre
• 29 October – 2 November: Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre
• 5 – 9 November: Southend Cliffs Pavilion
• 11 – 16 November: Sheffield Lyceum

Star casting for GREASE will be announced soon, adding to the anticipation for this incredible tour.

Only Fools and Horses The Musical: A Beloved Classic

Moving from the iconic GREASE to another beloved classic, Only Fools and Horses The Musical brings the legendary Trotter family back to life in a hilarious and heartwarming production. This critically acclaimed musical was an absolute sensation during its four-year run in London’s West End, playing over 1,000 performances at the prestigious Theatre Royal Haymarket.

This home-grown musical spectacle is based on John Sullivan’s record-breaking television show. The script and original score for the musical were penned by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and the celebrated comedian Paul Whitehouse. It’s an ingenious combination of cherished material from the beloved TV series and 20 hilarious songs that truly capture the essence of the classic comedy.

Directed by the originating West End director, Caroline Jay Ranger, this tour promises to take audiences on a journey filled with laughter, nostalgia, and unforgettable characters. It’s a chance to revisit Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience their classic comedy brought to life on stage.

Only Fools and Horses The Musical is a show that has garnered praise from fans and critics alike. The Sun awarded it five stars, describing it as “One Del of a show!” The Daily Mirror labeled it “a treat for Trotter fans” in their glowing five-star review. The Sunday Times acknowledged it as “a blast from our wide-boy past” and an adaptation of the 1980s BBC television comedy, giving it four stars. The Evening Standard lauded it as “an unashamedly British night out” and “a jubilant lovely jubbly!” The Daily Mail encouraged its readers to “raise a glass of ‘Tittinger’ to Del Boy and Rodney as Only Fools and Horses storms the West End!”

The Only Fools and Horses The Musical UK and Ireland Tour Dates

Here are the much-anticipated tour dates for Only Fools and Horses The Musical in 2024:

• 23rd – 28th September: Bromley Churchill Theatre
• 30th September – 5th October: Southend Cliffs Pavilion
• 7th – 12th October: Bradford Alhambra Theatre
• 14th – 19th October: York Grand Opera House
• 21st – 26th October: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
• 28th October – 2nd November: Glasgow Theatre Royal
• 4th – 9th November: Edinburgh Playhouse
• 11th – 16th November: Manchester Opera House
• 18th – 23rd November: Manchester Opera House
• 25th – 30th November: Sunderland Empire Theatre
• 2nd – 7th December: Stoke Regent Theatre
• 11th – 14th December: Brighton Dome
• 17th – 23rd December: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
• 27th – 29th December: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
• 30th December – 5th January: Hammersmith Eventim Apollo
• 7th – 11th January: Ipswich Regent Theatre
• 13th – 18th January: Norwich Theatre Royal
• 20th – 25th January: Llandudno Venue Cymru
• 27th January – 1st February: Bristol Hippodrome
• 3rd – 8th February: Bristol Hippodrome
• 10th – 15th February: Newcastle Theatre Royal
• 17th – 22nd February: Newcastle Theatre Royal
• 24th February – 1st March: Northampton Derngate Theatre
• 3rd – 8th March: Southampton Mayflower Theatre
• 10th – 15th March: Oxford New Theatre
• 17th – 22nd March: Milton Keynes Theatre
• 24th – 29th March: Milton Keynes Theatre
• 31st March – 5th April: Birmingham Hippodrome
• 7th – 12th April: Birmingham Hippodrome
• 14th – 19th April: Canterbury Marlowe Theatre
• 21st – 26th April: Nottingham Concert Hall
• 28th April – 3rd May: Blackpool Grand Opera House
• 5th – 10th May: Truro Hall for Cornwall (On Sale Soon)
• 12th – 17th May: Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre
• 19th – 24th May: Plymouth Theatre Royal
• 26th – 31st May: Sheffield City Hall
• 2nd – 7th June: Leeds Grand Theatre
• 9th – 14th June: Liverpool Empire
• 16th – 21st June: Liverpool Empire
• 23rd – 28th June: Belfast Opera House
• 30th June – 5th July: Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Casting for Only Fools and Horses The Musical will be announced in early 2024, building excitement for this epic tour.

In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a remarkable year for musical theater enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland, with GREASE and Only Fools and Horses The Musical taking center stage. Both productions, steeped in history and adored by generations, offer a chance to relive classic moments and create new memories. Don’t miss out on these iconic shows as they embark on their tour, bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable melodies to audiences across the region.