Only Fools play issues statement slamming ‘abuse’ after cast members are targeted by vile racism
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The cast of Only Fools and Horses: The Musical have been left ‘visibly upset’ after being targeted with racist abuse while on stage. Inspired by the BBC sitcom of the same name, which ran from 1981 until 2003, the musical first hit the stage in 2019.
![[Ex-footballer Vinnie Jones (centre) during the curtain call after making his stage acting debut as one half of the notorious Driscoll brothers, crime boss Danny Driscoll in Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Hammersmith Apollo, in west London. Picture date: Wednesday December 18, 2024. PA Photo. Sir David, who played Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in the long running BBC comedy, watched the musical for the first time as it begun a three-week run in the West End. See PA story SHOWBIZ Fools. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/PA Wire]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_233699942-38cc.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It is currently on a three-week run at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith in London before it heads off on a tour around the UK. However, during a performance last week, Black cast members Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison faced shocking behaviour from an audience member.
![[Only Fools play issues statement slamming 'abuse' after cast members are targeted by vile racism]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_234171570-58c5.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The pair, who play lorry driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs Obooko respectively were specifically targeted with abuse. ‘It was a rowdy crowd on Friday night, with everyone in the Christmas spirit and pumped up for the show,’ another audience member told The Sun.
![[Portrait of actors (L-R) Nicholas Lyndhurst, David Jason and Lennard Pearce on the set of the BBC Television sitcom 'Only Fools and Horses', circa 1983. (Photo by Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_228741367-0ee2.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘But this idiot spoiled parts of the performance for those in earshot, 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 production added that 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,’ they shared. ‘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.’.
The show’s official page has since released a statement, saying this behaviour would ‘not be tolerated’. ‘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,’ it began.
