I'm a superfan and went to see Only Fools and Horses The Musical and I'd go back every night

I like to think of myself as somewhat of an Only Fools and Horses super fan, so when the hit musical based on the much loved BBC sitcom headed to Sunderland, I was there quicker than a three wheeled yellow van! I had been meaning to get down to London to see it at the West End but getting married and a new born meant my wish to see Del Boy and the rest of The Trotters on stage was put on hold.

Quite fitting really given the story of show is about Del - played by Sam Lupton - trying to find his significant other. The show is a wonderful mix of the best jokes and story lines from the sitcom tied brilliantly together by original songs and new scenes. I’ll admit, when I first heard about the musical I wondered just how it would work but Bain marie, there was nothing to worry about, and in truth I should have had no doubt Paul Whitehouse and John Sullivan would do this show, and John’s dad who created the original show justice.

If you’re a fan of the tv show, this musical is a thing of beauty. Not a tribute to a show of the past but a fresh take on the family and community still loved today 44 years after it first aired.

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The very fact it’s 7th and final series aired its final show five months before I was born and yet I hold it so dear to my heart shows you the power of it - and you could feel it in the room. Right from the word go, the audience captured as the theme tune was sang before Del bursts on stage. Right from the first beat of the song, the audience was in the palm of the casts’ hands.

And even though the majority of the crowd know where every one liner and joke was going, it was still so magical, and actually that might be the exact reason why. It was a comfort blanket, a trip down memory lane when things were less complicated, you had four channels to choose from and you knew you had to tune into see the show or that was that.

But as noted it wasn’t just that - it was from just a tribute to the show, it was a night of creativity, superb story telling and great acting.

To weave such comic genius into a fresh story takes some doing but it never felt forced. If you loved the original show, you’ll appreciate the little touches like Trigger, played by Lee VG, wearing a ‘kiss me quick’ hat or Mrs Obooko (Gloria Acquaah-Harrison) singing a show stopping rendition of Simply Red’s I’ll keep holding on as Rodney and Raquel head off on their honey moon leaving Del reflecting on what’s next.

It’s you're a fan, that detail matters. But it was much more than a nod to the tv show, the countless new and original songs pieced the production together so nicely with standout vocals from all of the main stars.

Keep a particular eye (or ear) out for a superb song as Del heads to the dating agency - one that got the whole audience moving even more. And a special note to Richard J Hunt who played three or four different characters, he was superb as he took the role on as the dating agent and brought an energy to the stage - he's probably the unsung hero of this production.

The rest of the cast, what can you say? Each one just absolutely superb and with some big shoes to fill not only from the TV show but the run on the West End, everyone covered themselves in glory.

It was just superb casting. Each of the stars had their character’s voice but even more impressive, mannerisms down to a T.

I get it, they’re professional actors, it’s their job to walk and move like their characters but it was like the original cast of the TV show were on stage in front of you. From Darryl Paul as Mike, the landlord of the Naggs Head, with his tea towel over his shoulder to Nicola Munns as Marlene, it was brilliant.

Georgina Hagan took on the role of Raquel and brilliantly took on some of show's key story lines including meeting Del, the unfortunate stripper gram moment and beyond but yet again it was her ability to hold the room with one of the many original showtunes that you'll remember.

The rest of the gang were there too - Boycie [Craig Berry] with that famous laugh, Denzil [Bradley John] and Mickey Pearce [Peter Watts] as well the Driscoll brothers having a key part to play.

But what about the Trotter clang? Rodney, played by Tom Major in his first professional gig out of drama school, was as self deprecating but well intentioned as ever. From the voice to his stance - he was spot on.

Grandad [Philip Childs] was the whining and lovable lay about you remember with the occasional pearls of wisdom.

But it was Del who stole the show. A fantastic singing voice with great charisma. He sounded and looked like David Jason - that is the biggest compliment I can pay. It was like David Jason was there on stage. Genuinely, you were taking back to the days when 24 million people tuned into see Del. There was a moment when he was slumped in his chair in front of the TV feeling sorry for himself, I couldn't help but think how close to the real thing it really was.

There were plenty of props you'll remember as well as a few surprises along the way.

If you’re a fan of the show, get yourself along but if you’re not you should go anyway because at its heart it’s a story about a man trying to better himself who falls in love and the story flows so nicely that you don’t need to have seen the TV show. Lovely Jubbly.