Rock and Chips

Part of me is disappointed that “Rock and Chips” doesn’t start with a montage of colourful images and catchy theme tune but it’s apparent from the chilling sound of children reciting “Ring a Ring o' Roses” that this is going to be more of a comedy-drama than an out and out comedy.

The title sequence is filmed in black and white and we’re told it is February 1960. The 60s feel is reiterated throughout by an excellent soundtrack and the clothes and hairstyles worn by the characters, while recognisable settings such as the Nag’s Head add some familiarity; working together to create a strong sense of time and place.

The acting is exemplary and so is the casting. James Buckley is the perfect choice to play Del Boy and looks the part with his hair dyed black. Buckley has always reminded me of a young Phil Daniels, so it was a stroke of genius to cast them together, with Daniels as Grandad.

One could argue that “Rock and Chips” lacks the hilarity so consistent throughout “Only Fools and Horses”. However, this is unfair because the prequel was made to elaborate upon the back-story of the Trotter family, which we have always known is imbued with sadness. In my opinion, it is therefore disingenuous to judge it by the same standards as one would a regular comedy.

And besides, there are plenty of laughs to be had. Despite the disappointment of “The Green Green Grass”, John Sullivan has not lost the ability to strike comedy gold with his plays on words – for example, when “art connoisseur” Freddie asks Joan if she’s ever been to the National and she tells him she’s been to the Derby.

The real humour, for me, lies in knowing the characters as adults but seeing them here in their formative years. Trigger has always been a bit thick; Grandad a bit useless; and Del a lovable rogue. It is wonderful to be given an insight into the early lives of some of Britain’s favourite comedy characters and the chance to understand how they became the characters we know and love.

There was always an underlining pathos to “Only Fools and Horses” and “Rock and Chips” explores this beautifully. It feels as though we know Joan Trotter already but here we see for the first time the mother that Del talks of so fondly. From the first scene, where she stares into a mirror & sees nothing but broken dreams reflected back at her, we begin to understand how Joan was tempted into the arms of Freddie the Frog. Nicholas Lyndhurst does a fine job of acting nothing like Rodney; testament to his abilities as an actor.

The plot unfolds across exactly nine months, beginning with Freddie Robdal’s release from prison and ending with Rodney’s birth. We are reminded of this through dates regularly displayed on screen. This is a clever dramatic device, with the length of time depicted echoing the gestation period.

While “Rock and Chips” is by no means constantly hilarious and does occasionally resort to bawdy double entendres and slapstick (Reenie Turpin and the cinema manager being the main offenders), it is a moving story, lovingly told. And there are plenty of references to please “Only Fools” fans; examples being the inaugural Jolly Boys’ Outing to Margate; a teenage Del’s assertion that one day he’ll be a millionaire; and the Trotter family’s move to Sir Walter Raleigh House, later renamed Nelson Mandela House.

Overall, I enjoyed “Rock and Chips” and believe there is potential to develop it into a series. The story of the Trotters’ is so adored by the British public that it would be a shame not to delve into their history further. To quote something we know baby Rodney will grow up to say frequently, “Rock and Chips” was cosmic.