Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 20 September 2025
Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole
4****
“A fresh new take on a much-loved TV favourite!”
The West End and UK theatre in general has been awash with jukebox musicals, nostalgic film-to-stage adaptations, and the latest trend: parody over the past few years. I should let you know up front that I’m a huge fan of Friends and it’s been a comfort show for years, so I am certainly the target audience for this show.
Director Michael Gyngell, the very talented cast and producers have crafted a wave of 90s revivalism that’s bringing beloved pop culture back to life. Enter FRIENDS! The Musical Parody, or as fans might call it, The One Where the Cast of Friends Sing and Dance.
An impressive multi-talented cast has been assembled for this show, as they’re all tackling such beloved, well-known, and quoted characters at a very fast pace.
The New York-based gang of: neurotic Monica (Alicia Belgarde), her super-nerdy (and needy) brother Ross (Enzo Benvenuti), his oh-so awkward best mate Chandler (Daniel Parkinson), his actor bestie Joey (Ronnie Burden), and making up the rest of the crew, beyond kooky Phoebe (Amelia Atherton). Rounding out the gang is, of course, Daddy’s little princess and Ross’s greatest love, Rachel (Eva Hope).
Condensing 236 episodes into roughly a two-hour musical is no small feat. The book and lyrics by Bob and Tobly McSmith manage to hit nearly every major moment and memory from the sitcom’s ten-season run. Hats off to them—some scenes even get their own full musical numbers, including a standout Chicago-inspired “Central Perk Tango” and a hilariously dramatic ode to one of the show’s most quoted moments – “Pivot!”
The actors nail the mannerisms, especially Enzo as Ross—his nauseating Ross whine is spot-on—and Daniel really brings Chandler’s sarcasm and awkward charm to the forefront of his performance.
The first half is tight, clever, and packed with punchlines, but the second half veers into chaotic territory, with some jokes that don’t quite land and a few questionable puppet appearances that left the audience blinking in confusion.
One particularly disappointing moment in the second half was “The Ballad of Fat Monica” – a full song dedicated to a gag that’s been rightly criticised for fat-shaming in recent years. It felt out of step with the otherwise affectionate tone, and thankfully the audience weren’t laughing as loudly here.
That said, the show shines when it celebrates the side characters. Gunther (Edward Leigh) gets his moment, and Janice’s number—“OMG It’s Janice!”—is a campy delight as the art of drag is embraced by Daniel.
In terms of set design, it’s slick and unique as a bunch of moving boxes are on stage. As the stage constantly has to change between the iconic sets of Central Perk, Monica’s apartment, the boys’ apartment, and how they changed over the seasons. There’s also some large set pieces towards the end of the show that will just make you smile—no spoilers!
Jennie Quirk gets a lot of kudos, being responsible for all of the costumes. Rachel’s and Phoebe’s especially look exactly like what they wore in the TV show, and Monica’s fashion is well represented too.
I spoke to a couple of audience members post-show who had never seen an episode of Friends. One said they enjoyed the energy and humour, while the other admitted they hadn’t a clue what was going on.
That’s the nature of parody – it’s experimental, referential, and best enjoyed by fans who know their “Smelly Cat” from their “We were on a break!”
I would recommend seeing it if you’re a fan. It’s not perfect, but it’s packed with heart, hilarity, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
Could it be any more fun?
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is visiting theatres across the UK in 2025 and you can purchase your tickets at www.friendsthemusicaltour.co.uk