Comedy legend Boycie – star of BBC1’s Only Fools And Horses – is heading back to Epsom following a social media campaign by fans. People in the town sent messages to Boycie, AKA actor John Challis, asking him to bring his one-man show to the Epsom Playhouse. The star responded to these requests and asked his agent to organise a show, which will take place on Thursday 19 February as part of a 25-date UK tour. 

John Challis said: “I’m no stranger to Epsom. It’s a beautiful place and I’ve visited on many occasions. I spend a lot of time on Twitter, communicating with fans, and have 45,000 followers. Last summer, a number of them Tweeted me and asked me to come to Epsom. I think they had heard about my one man show and so I asked my agent to book a date and I can’t wait to return to the Playhouse.” 

John Challis will appear in a show called Only Fools And Boycie, in which he will tell stories from his life, including working with The Beatles and Oliver Reed, being introduced to The Rolling Stones, drinking with George Best, and starring on Coronation Street, Dr Who, Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass. 

John added: “It’s an intimate evening with me, in which I talk about my life and my years in Only Fools And Horses. There’s also a meet and greet after the show, so people can get autographs and ‘selfies’, if they wish. Only Fools and Horses changed my life and it’s prompted some very funny episodes. People also get the chance to ask a few questions and I also meet the fans and sign copies of my autobiography following the show.” 

John has remained good friends with the cast of Only Fools and Horses and many of them still kept in touch. He said: “We all speak and I see a lot of Marlene, or, rather, the actress Sue Holderness who I appeared with at the Playhouse a few years ago. I’ve written two volumes of autobiography, which have sold very quickly. It’s been an extraordinary life and I’ve met a lot of interesting people. I feel very humbled that the people of Epsom Tweeted me and asked me to come and I’ll look forward to meeting them soon.” 

Tickets are £15 and are on sale now www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01372 742555. You can also request a copy of the new season brochure.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL THEATRE

Information from Epsom Playhouse