Only Fools and Horses musical bosses issue stark warning to audience after cast pelted with racist abuse
THE cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical were left “hurt” and “upset” after a performance was marred by racist heckles from an abuser in the audience.
Black castmembers Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who play lorry driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs Obooko respectively, were targeted by the lout, who also dished out general abuse.
It prompted the stage show’s bosses to issue a statement condemning the behaviour and warning anyone attending that abuse would not be tolerated.
The incident took place during last Friday night’s show at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, London where it’s currently on a three-week run, guest starring Vinnie Jones, before continuing a UK tour.
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 ear shot, it was totally unacceptable what was blurted out.
“Unfortunately security were unable to identify the culprit and eject them from the theatre.”
A source close to the show added: “The cast members were visibly upset, it’s not the sort of thing you would expect to receive in every day 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.
“It’s a warm and fun production, it’s totally unacceptable.”
Bosses issued a statement on Saturday reaffirming the zero tolerance on abuse behaviour.
The message 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.
“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 audience embrace an environment of respect, inclusivity and safety.”
Liverpudlian Denzil was one of the most loved characters in the original BBC TV series, starring David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, which inspired the musical.
One of Del Boy and Rodney’s closest pals, he was played by actor Paul Barber, 73, who went on to play one of the troup of stripping steelworkers in the hit 1997 Brit Flick The Full Monty.
Mrs Obooko is a character devised especially for the stage show, she is part the ensemble cast and delivers some huge singing numbers.
The show stars footballing legend Vinnie as gangster Danny Driscoll, during the London shows, and Fast Show funnyman Paul Whitehouse as granddad.
All of the cast members were recently pictured with Del Boy star Sir David, 84, as he dropped into the theatre to wish them well.