Following the huge success of two years ago, when some 50 members and guests of 6 Region attended the Fawlty Towers Dining Experience, it was a no brainer when the same company announced similar plans for Only Fools & Horses. We just had to go. Fawlty Towers and Only Fools & Horses are arguably the two best comedies to ever hit our screens and have rightly enjoyed the tremendous success and accolades they have so richly deserved.
Not to be confused with the current West End version of Only Fools & Horses, this is a unique dining experience where the ‘customers’ can enjoy a close up performance that no West End show can offer. On Sat 27th April, the Edwardian Grafton Theatre, situated within the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tottenham Court Road, hosted members and guests of 6 Region for their brand new show. Guests gathered for pre-show drinks and without warning, Del-Boy and Rodney kicked off the show right in the middle of the assembled masses. It’s apparent from the start that it’s going to be a riotous festival of classic Fools & Horses and so it begins. Without spoiling it too much for those, who I recommend try it out for themselves, all the major characters that made us laugh so much throughout the 90’s and 00’s are on hand to take you through a typical evening down at the Nags Head.
Marlene and Boycie, Uncle Albert, Cassandra, Trigger and of course Del-Boy & Rodney get up to all their old tricks, wheeling and dealing their way in and out of dodgy deals in an attempt to settle un-paid debts, which is occasionally interspersed with a pub quiz to promote a little interaction between actors and punters. Somewhere in-between the laughs was a 3 course meal that almost goes by without noticing it.
It’s clear that our hosts are well adept in their roles. Every wink, nod and mannerism are captured beautifully in their performances that really do capture the essence of Nelson Mandela House, the Nags Head and Peckham market.
Fools and Horses was, and still is, a great British institution. The characters are all household names and over the years they have provided us with some classic sketches that will live on well into the next century. John Sullivan (Scriptwriter) so expertly captured the working class East End era that our hosts have somehow managed to carry over to the small stage. And after it was all over, what a lovely touch that the cast were happy to pose for a few photos.
A wonderful night out, and I wonder what will be next…………. Dads Army, The Office, cant wait……………………………………
