The cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical have been left “hurt” and “upset” after a performance was marred by racist abuse from audience members.
Black cast members Bradley John and Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who play truck driver Denzil Tulser and Mrs. Obuko, respectively, were targeted by the thugs, who also abused him widely.
4
The cast of Only Fools And Horses: The Musical were ‘visibly upset’ after suffering racist abuse from the audience
4
Gloria Acquaah-Harrison, who plays Mrs Obooko, was the target of the thugs
This prompted stage bosses to issue a statement condemning the behavior and warning everyone in attendance that abuse will not be tolerated.
The incident happened last Friday night at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith in London, where he is currently on a three-week tour, featuring Vinnie Jones, before resuming his UK tour.
An eyewitness told The Sun: “It was packed on Friday night, everyone was in the Christmas spirit and pumped for the show.
“But this idiot spoiled parts of the performance for those who were recording by ear, it was completely unacceptable that he came out.
“Unfortunately, security was unable to identify the culprit and remove him from the cinema.”
A source close to the show added: “The cast were visibly upset, it’s not something you expect to get in everyday life, let alone on stage.
“Fellow stars were also upset, they couldn’t believe what they were hearing and what they were feeling about the people who were being targeted.
“It’s a warm and fun production, it’s completely unacceptable.”
Bosses issued a statement on Saturday reaffirming their zero tolerance for abusive behaviour.
The message read: “Here at Only Fools and Horses The Musical we always treat ourselves and others with respect and kindness. We expect our audience to do the same.
“Producers or theaters will not tolerate any unkind comments, bullying, discrimination or any form of abuse towards our crew or company members. We expect respect on and off stage.
“We are committed to working closely with on-site teams to ensure our cast, company and audiences embrace an environment of respect, inclusivity and safety.”
Liverpudlian Denzil was one of the best-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 friends was played by actor Paul Barber, 73, who went on to play one of the steel strippers in the 1997 hit Brit flick The Full Monty.
Mrs. Obooko is a character designed especially for the stage play, she is part of the cast and performs several big singing numbers.
The series stars football legend Vinnie as gangster Danny Driscoll, during the London concerts, and Fast Show’s hilarious Paul Whitehouse as Grandpa.
All the cast members were recently pictured with Del Boy star Sir David, 84, who stopped by the cinema to wish them all the best.
4
The incident happened on Friday night at Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, West London
4
Stage bosses to issue online statement condemning such behavior and warning abuse will not be toleratedDavid Jason praises ‘hysterical’ Only Fools & Horses musical at launch
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education