Could we BE anymore excited about this musical? All the feel-good moments of the hit 90s sitcom Friends was brought to life on stage at Theatre Royal this week…
As a die-hard Friends fan, having grown up with the popular sitcom as the background to my youth, I was sceptical if a newly emerged musical would do it justice. Well, in the words of the show’s very own Janice “OH! MY! GOD!” it certainly does. The concept is playfully innovative, with the theatregoers as the studio audience and Friends being “filmed” on stage in front of us. With the energy of the musical explosively ignited by audience participation right from the start, whoops and laughter from the stalls continue throughout. Edward Leigh as the role of the warm-up guy “Kip” sets the bar for what continues to be a fun-fuelled, side-splitting, tongue in cheek trip down memory lane with the six Friends we all know and love.
Spectacularly directed by Michael Gyngell, and credits to Jessica Martin for the attention to detail in characterisation, physicality and mannerism that created almost like-for-like performances of the original TV characters. If you didn’t know any better, it really could be young Jennifer Aniston up there on stage here in the East Midlands. FRIENDS! The Musical Parody beautifully captures every iconic moment from the beloved sitcom in witty, observationally accurate and hilarious songs. Light-hearted pokes at the flaws in 90s storylines, misgivings between characters, and poor Gunther always on the side lines, pepper the musical with discerning humour and wit.
You would be forgiven for wondering if you’d entered some kind of Friends fever dream at points
Constantly flitting between laughing until my cheeks hurt and stunned in pure awe at the talent on stage, particular mention must go to Amelia Atherton (Phoebe) and Alicia Belgrade (Monica) for powerhouse vocal solos. Staging of all the classic backdrops including the girls and guys’ apartments and Central Perk is cleverly mastered with comic timing and prop use supporting the key storylines. You would be forgiven for wondering if you’d entered some kind of Friends fever dream at points with puppetry bringing typically non-speaking characters to life (the chick and the duck that live with Joey and Chandler was truly an unexpected but delightful highlight). And without giving away too many spoilers, the musical number “I am Marcel” is one not to be missed, although a potential nightmare-fuel.
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody encapsulates the relatability and endearment of the original TV show whilst seamlessly marrying new-age humour, musicality and boundary-pushing commentary to create a musical phenomenon. A must see for any Friends fan looking to reminisce, laugh out loud and see their favourite moments reimagined in singing, dancing, “we were on a break” glory.
This highly recommended wise-cracking show is at the Theatre Royal until Saturday 20 September.
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