The cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical were reportedly subjected to vile racist abuse from an audience member.
It comes as the hit musical took to the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, West London. It’s said members of the cast, including Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who play lorry driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs Obooko, were targeted by with the disgusting heckling on Friday evening.
Sources say some of the show’s stars were left “visibly upset” by the incident, which prompted stage show bosses to issue a statement online to condemn the actions. The statement read: “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.”
There was reportedly racist abuse at a show of the Only Fools and Horses musical (
Image:
Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
It continued: “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. 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.”
A source who witnessed the abuse told the Sun: “It was a rowdy crowd, with everyone in the Christmas spirit. But this idiot spoiled the performance for those in ear shot. Security were unable to identify the culprit and eject them.”
Katie Paine, Amanda Coutts, Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, Vinnie Jones, Georgina Hagen, and Nicola Munns (
Image:
Getty Images)
Another added that “cast members were visibly upset” by what was going on. “They couldn’t believe what they were hearing,” they said.
The show stars Paul Whitehouse as Grandad, while it has been guest starring Vinnie Jones during it’s three-week run at the venue.
Last week, Sir David Jason attended the gala performance of the Only Fools and Horses The Musical in London and reminisced about his old friends. The 84-year-old icon, who was best known for his role as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter on the BBC sitcom between 1981 and 1991 along with a few Christmas specials, said the entire performance was a ‘memory’ for him.
After the show ended, he said: “It’s very, very good. What I did like about it was so much of the original script was used and they did it so well that sometimes it took me by surprise. The whole show was a memory for me of the whole thing – the script, the characters. It was lovely to see them all and everybody was working so well together, very much like we did.”
He sighed before confessing he thought he was going to ‘cry’ as he was touched by the entire production. He added: “I’m going to have a boo now. I’m so moved.”
