Only Fools and Horses bosses issue defiant statement as musical cast members ‘upset’ by racist abuse from heckler
Black cast members of Only Fools and Horses: The Musical were subjected to racist abuse during a performance at London’s Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on Friday night.
Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who play lorry driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs Obooko respectively, were targeted by a heckler in the audience during the show.
The incident left cast members “visibly upset” as they performed in the stage adaptation of the beloved BBC sitcom.
Security staff were unable to identify or remove the culprit, who was part of what witnesses described as a “rowdy” crowd in the Christmas spirit.
The shocking abuse occurred during the musical’s current three-week festive run at the Hammersmith venue, prompting show bosses to issue a stern warning about audience conduct.
An eyewitness told The Sun: “It was a rowdy crowd on Friday night, with everyone in the Christmas spirit and pumped up for the show. But this idiot spoiled parts of the performance for those in earshot, it was totally unacceptable what was blurted out.”
The witness added that security was unable to locate and remove the person responsible for the abuse.
A source close to the production revealed: “The cast members were visibly upset, it’s not the sort of thing you would expect to receive in everyday life, let alone on a stage.”
“Fellow stars were upset too, they couldn’t believe what they were hearing and felt for the people targeted,” the source continued.
“It’s a warm and fun production, it’s totally unacceptable,” they added.
Following the incident, show bosses released a strongly-worded statement on social media condemning the behaviour.
“Here at Only Fools and Horses The Musical we always act with respect and kindness towards ourselves and others. We do expect our audiences to do the same,” the statement read.
The producers made clear their zero-tolerance approach: “Any unkind comments, bullying, discrimination or any form of abuse towards our cast or company members will not be tolerated by the producers or theatres.”
They emphasised their commitment to maintaining a safe environment: “We expect respect on and off stage. We are committed to working closely with the venue teams to ensure that our cast, company and audiences embrace an environment of respect, inclusivity and safety.”
The character of Denzil was originally played by Paul Barber in the BBC sitcom, while Mrs Obooko is a new character created specifically for the musical.
The musical is currently enjoying a three-week festive run at the Eventim Apollo, featuring comedian Paul Whitehouse as Grandad and former footballer Vinnie Jones making his stage debut as villain Danny Driscoll.
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Sam Lupton takes on the iconic role of Del Boy in the production, which has received high praise from the original series star Sir David Jason.
The 84-year-old actor, who attended a gala performance last week, described the show as “hysterical” and said it “brought a tear to my eye.”
Following its current London run, the musical is set to embark on a UK and Ireland tour in 2025.
The stage adaptation follows a successful four-year stint in London’s West End, bringing the beloved characters from the BBC sitcom to theatre audiences across the country.