Has anyone ever greeted you with the question “How you doin’?” Then it is likely that you have just met one of the millions of fans worldwide of the iconic comedy series Friends that had an unbelievable ten seasons that can still be seen on a variety of platforms.
And if you ever wished that you could be a member of the audience at a recording of one of the classic episodes then your luck might just be in.
That is just what it is like when you attend a performance of Friends – The Musical Parody – on its UK tour that has just landed at the Buxton Opera House. Complete with warm-up man Edward Leigh who goes on to play Gunther and numerous other characters in the production, the show is a whistle-stop tour of the lives of Phoebe (Amelia Atherton), Monica (Alicia Belgarde), Ross (Enzo Benevuti), Joey (Ronnie Burden), Rachel (Eva Hope) and Chandler (Jared Thompson) as they progress through the ten seasons.
If you have a favourite sketch or line from the tv show then it is probably included. Remember Rachel’s attempt to prepare a trifle? Ross and his numerous wives? Phoebe’s terrible songs? Gunther’s unrequited love for Rachel? The joke’s about Fat Monica? Joey’s obsessions with food and women – not necessarily in that order? Chandler’s awkwardness with the opposite sex?
All of these and more are there with appearances from Tom Selleck, Marcel the humping monkey, the duck and chick and Oh. My. God. It’s Janice. Side-splitting routines with my favourite being the Two Women, One Condom sketch that I found hilarious.
Add in the fact that there is a really cute score from Assaf Gleizner that gives each member of the cast the opportunity to showcase really good vocal talents – Leigh has a really poignant spot when he sings Part Of Their Gang as Gunther – and some slick choreography produced by Myles Brown and the production rapidly becomes a must-see show.
The real highlight for the audience member is how close the actors are to the original characters. Great acting all round is a real reason for that but the creative team has obviously worked hard to create the look and sound of the original series. Congratulations to Jenny Quirk (Costume), Craig Forrest-Thomas (Wig and Make Up) and Jessica Martin (Accent/Characterisation) for their incredible work. With a very appropriate set and lighting from Andrew Exeter, Director Michael Gyngell has brought together a theatrical piece that could well become the Lobster of your life.
There were many Friends devotees in the audience but that does not mean that those yet to have the experience of this madcap bunch of pals should be wary of attending. If you enjoy the mayhem of verbal and physical humour combined with extremely pleasant music this is a cracking production. My partner was a Friends virgin and found it highly enjoyable.
So, PIVOT your way to the Opera House. It is definitely not a smelly cat. I know that we know you know everyone knows that this is an unbeatable show. I couldn’t be more certain you will enjoy this even if on a break. Just don’t eat Ross’s sandwich!!! (Enough references to favourite one-liners I think!!)
The show has a running time of approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including interval and completes it’s run on February 14th. For ticket information contact 01298 72190
