A joyful musical reunion with old Friends

REVIEW: 'Friends: The Musical Parody' at The New Theatre

The highly acclaimed musical tribute to one of the most popular TV shows of all time ends its UK tour in Cardiff this week.

We were at the New Theatre last night for the opening of its week-long run here. And what fun it was!

Friends: The Musical Parody manages to shoehorn many of the most memorable moments from the show's 10 seasons into a two-hour production.

So, expect to be reacquainted with Marcel the monkey, Joey's chick and duck, Fat Monica from the '80s, references to pivoting, and - "Oh. My. Gawd!" - Janice!

It really is a joyful nostalgic treat - a musical reunion with old friends.

That's thanks in large part to a hugely talented cast, including Enzo Benvenuti (as Ross), Alicia Belgrade (Monica), Daniel Parkinson (Chandler), Eva Hope (Rachel), Harry Mallaghan (standing in for Ronnie Burden as Joey last night), Amelia Therton (Phoebe), and Edward Leigh (Gunther, Tom Selleck and Paolo), with Lottie Lester, Meg Darcy, and Jared Thompson.

The performers brilliantly capture the mannerisms and delivery of the original cast to the extent that you really could believe you were watching Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, and the rest.

But they're not just delivering convincing impressions - there's singing and dancing too, because this is a musical.

It's not so much a story, more a series of loosely linked scenes, told largely in song - further emphasising the cast's versatility and talent.

So hats off to casting director Mark Frankum for putting this phenomenal team together.

If you're not familiar with Friends the TV show ... well, firstly, where were you in the '90s? And secondly, this really won't make much sense to you!

It's a proper nostalgia trip, but not everything is familiar. The music is new - books and lyrics by Bob and Tobly McSmith, music by Assaf Gleizner, supervised by Mark Crossland, and arranged by Charles Olinsand.

And as the show isn't an official Warner Brothers production, you won't hear Phoebe singing her famous Smelly Cat song, but don't be disappointed - the cat is still there, and there's Smelly Mom instead!

It's a thoroughly entertaining show, aimed squarely at those of who fondly remember the original.

As it ends its UK tour, the creatives behind it can be proud of their work, including director Michael Gyngell, set and lighting designer Andrew Exeter, sound designer Chris Whybrow, costumes by Jennie Quirk, wigs, hair and make-up by Craig Forrest-Thomas,

Friends: The Musical Parody is at the New Theatre until Saturday (2 May). You can find more information and order tickets here. Or phone the box office 0343 310 0041.

Review by Andy Weltch

Photos by Pamela Raith

We received free tickets for this performance in exchange for an honest review