Sir David Jason, 84, attends star-studded Only Fools And Horses Musical gala as he poses with famous cast
SIR David Jason has taken a trip down memory lane after rubbing shoulders with the cast of Only Fools and Horses: The Musical.
The legendary actor, 84, was snapped on the red carpet alongside Vinne Jones and Paul Whitehouse, who both star in the show.
Dressed in similar clothing to that of Del Boy – the iconic character David played in the comedy series – David was all smiles at the opening night.
Wearing Del Boy’s signature flat cap, David chuckled away as Vinne, who takes on the role of notorious gangster Danny Driscoll in the musical, larked around on the red carpet.
The hard man actor and former footballer put his hand on David’s shoulder before making a fist with the other and pulling a face.
David was also photographed alongside Paul, who was sporting white hair, bushy eyebrows and a white moustache.
The comedian, who co-wrote Only Fools and Horses: The Musical with Jim Sullivan, plays Grandad in the West End stage show.
Grandad, whose name was Edward Kitchener ‘Ted’ Trotter, was portrayed by the loveable late Lennard Pearce in the 1980s TV series.
David also made sure to grab a photograph with Sam Lupton.
Sam takes on the role of David’s character Del Boy and the pair turned towards each other for a fun face-off snap.
Only Fools and Horses: The Musical was originally devised in 2019 and is currently on tour across the UK.
It is now enjoying a special three-week Christmas run in London.
Vinnie, who is famed for appearances in films including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, has joined the cast at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith especially.
The musical version of the telly show, which first aired in 1981, features music from cockney duo Chas & Dave and is said to be “full of character and cockney charm”.
Vinnie will appear with the cast in London until January 5, 2025.
He said of his casting: “I’ve always been a fan of Only Fools and Horses, and when my longtime friend Phil McIntyre called me up and said he was interested in me playing the role of Danny Driscoll, I told him to count me in.
“The director CJay Ranger and her creative team are great and I’m excited to contribute to the legacy of the show.”
Before the curtain went up on the musical’s opening night in London, David admitted he was looking forward to watching the show.
He told the Press Association: “I’m full of anticipation.
“I’ve heard that it’s very good, but I’m going to make my own mind up when I see it.”
Touching upon why he believes Only Fools is so adored, David added: “There are a lot of words in the show that describe unfortunate swearing, but they’re cleverly disguised, covered in words like ‘you plonker’, things like that.
“That sounds funny, and it is, but it’s not vulgar.
“What I’m saying is that it’s a show that can appeal right across the board to your mother, your grandmother, your kids and all that, and that is one of the things that I love about it.”