FRIENDS! The Musical Parody UK Tour (2026) Review
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody production image. Photo by Pamela Raith
Written by Philip for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Friends: The Musical Parody takes the much-loved sitcom Friends and ambitiously distils all ten seasons into a two-hour theatrical romp, complete with song, dance, and knowing self-awareness. It plays rather like a greatest-hits compilation, peppered with commentary on what the audience is thinking and a playful acknowledgement of the actors portraying these iconic characters.
Rather than immersing us directly in the Friends universe, the show is framed within the Los Angeles studio where the sitcom was filmed. We are first introduced to the warm-up guy before the show “goes live” — a chaotic and irreverent opening that immediately establishes the evening’s madcap tone. Once underway, we find ourselves in familiar territory at Central Perk, moments before Rachel Green (Eva Hope) bursts in wearing her wedding dress. Huzzah — Season 1, Episode 1.
As Rachel integrates herself into the group, her long-standing spark with Ross Geller (Enzo Benvenuti) is swiftly established. Monica (Alicia Belgarde), Ross’s sister and Rachel’s former school friend, invites her to move in — prompting the first standout moment of the night: an utterly bonkers musical number explaining how Monica can possibly afford her cavernous New York apartment. From here, the production embarks on a whirlwind tour of the sitcom’s most memorable moments: Joey’s (Ronnie Burden) acting “career,” Phoebe’s (Amelia Atherton) surrogate pregnancy for her brother, Monica and Chandler’s (Daniel Parkinson) secret relationship, Janice’s inevitable returns, and, of course, Ross and Rachel’s enduring will-they-won’t-they saga. The show hits many nostalgic high points before closing with a joyous reimagining of the iconic title sequence.
The cast excel at capturing the essence of these beloved characters. The mannerisms, physicality, and vocal inflections are all sharply observed. Eva Hope is a delightful Rachel — peppy, pampered, and endearingly naïve — offering a sincere homage to Jennifer Aniston. Benvenuti and Belgarde are wonderfully over-the-top as Ross and Monica, delivering the heightened enthusiasm one expects from the Geller siblings.
Though Phoebe and Joey are slightly less foregrounded, Atherton and Burden shine in their respective solo numbers — Smelly Mama and Chick and Duck — both of which are comedic highlights. They are both outstanding character actors. Daniel Parkinson triumphs as Chandler, nailing the character’s awkwardness through sharp physical comedy. His transformation into Janice, however, is nothing short of spectacular. OMG Janice brought the house down, with the audience in rapturous delight.
Special mention must go to Edward Leigh, who plays a dizzying array of roles throughout the evening — including Gunther, Tom Selleck, the warm-up guy, and even Marcel the Monkey. Each appearance is a fresh comic surprise, showcasing his versatility and impeccable timing.
Beyond its impressive performances, this production is very much one for fans of Friends. Casual viewers — or those unfamiliar with the series — may find themselves adrift. Compressing 236 episodes into under two hours is no small feat, and the show’s primary function is parody rather than storytelling. While the affectionate ribbing and “greatest hits” format largely succeed, the framing device of the warm-up guy slightly muddies the structure. Rather than watching a parody of the sitcom, it occasionally feels like watching the recording of a parody episode, which lacks clarity. An additional ten minutes might have allowed certain plot points to breathe, rather than being glossed over in lyrical shorthand.
Musically, there are many clever moments. Bob and Tobly McSmith’s book and lyrics, paired with Assaf Gleizner’s compositions, blend original songs with parodies inspired by well-known hits. Not every number lands, but the majority are sharp, witty, and genuinely funny.
Ultimately, if you are a devoted fan of the original sitcom, Friends: The Musical Parody is a witty, affectionate, and energetically performed celebration. For more casual viewers, however, this particular slice of nostalgia may not be quite so rewarding.
Friends the Musical Parody runs at New Wimbledon Theatre until 24th January 2026 before continuing on with its UK Tour.
★★★
