What all started with an iconic couch, a cafe, and a group of slightly codependent friends soon became a global hit, ready to “be there for you” as a comfort watch during every bad day, every breakup or just as background noise. Most of us have rewatched it multiple times throughout the years, and we will continue doing so in the future. But what if we told you there is a ‘Friends’ musical that is currently touring the UK – “The One Where They Sing”?
‘Friends – The Musical Parody’ is playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse between February 5 and 7, bringing a humorous take on the beloved series, all ten seasons of it. Spectators are taken on a bird’s-eye, speedy journey throughout all the iconic moments of the show, in a way they have never experienced before.
The casting of the musical is actually uncanny, especially Eva Hope playing Rachel, Ronnie Burden as Joey and Alicia Belgrade starring as Monica. Enzo Benvenuti stars as Ross, while Daniel Parkinson plays Chandler, and Amelia Atherton perfectly embodies the essence of Phoebe. What is more, Gunther is given a bit of a spotlight in the show, with Edward Leigh playing multiple roles in the show, including the coffee shop worker.
It is evident each cast member has perfected the essence and the mannerisms of not only the characters, but also the real-life actors that starred in ‘Friends’. You could notice a bit of Jennifer Aniston within Eva Hope, Courney Cox within Alicia Belgrade and Matt LeBlanc within Ronnie Burden, as well as every other cast member.
The stellar cast is the most noteworthy part of the show, as well as the witty dialogues, with Casting Director Mark Frankum and writers Bob and Tobly McSmith, who deserve a special nod, as they should.
‘Friends – The Musical Parody’ is also directed by Michael Gyngell, who was also the director of ‘The Full Monty’, as well as produced by Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Oskar Eiriksson – the same producers behind the ‘Hairspray’ musical!
On top of witty dialogue, viewers can expect original songs byAssaf Gleizner, such as “(He’s her) Lobster!,” “Richard’s Moustache,” and “You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?”.
So, what started off as ‘Friendsical’ at Assembly Rooms at the Edinburgh Fringe has now become a massive musical theatre production, delighting audiences throughout the country. A truly hilarious watch that will leave one feeling uplifted and energised by the end.
To go see the show for yourself, you can book your tickets here.