FRIENDS! The Musical Parody Review: could this BE any more nostalgic?

Photography Credit: Pamela Raith

20 January 2026 I 19:30 I New Wimbledon Theatre, London

⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite

Could this BE any more nostalgic? Originally a smash-hit in New York and Las Vegas, FRIENDS! The Musical Parody continues its successful UK & Ireland tour, opening this week at London's New Wimbledon Theatre. Having kicked off in Cirencester last July, the production is set to conclude in Cardiff this spring. If you are like me, born in the nineties and growing up through the noughties, you probably know Friends like the back of your hand. For super-fans alike, you really do need to adore the sitcom to get the most out of this show.

As audiences enter, Andrew Exeter's stage is designed to resemble the Warner Bros. studio where the series was filmed, the mock set reversed to reveal labels detailing locations such as Monica's kitchen and Central Perk. Before opening, cast and crew move across the stage to prepare for the performance, creating the illusion that we are attending a live television taping. An introduction is delivered by Edward Leigh (Gunther, Paolo etc.), reminding the audience that cameras are present, and that both cast and audience are being 'filmed'.

Photography Credit: Pamela Raith

The cast are introduced with instantly recognisable nineties costumes (Jennie Quirk) and iconic hairstyles (Craig Forrest Thomas), grounding the parody in nostalgia. Performances are comically strong, capturing the essence of our favourite characters without relying solely on imitation. Alicia Belgarde and Ronnie Burden are assured as Monica and Joey, where Daniel Parkinson (Chandler) and Eva Hope (Rachel) boast visual similarities to their television counterparts, complete with familiar catchphrases and physicality. Amelia Atherton and Enzo Benvenuti's Phoebe and Ross are not as developed, with their resemblance less uncanny. Despite Benvenuti's charming mannerisms, this takes away from the authentic feel of the production.

Parkinson also doubles up as Janice, impressively slipping into her unmistakable voice with his Oh My God, It's Janice musical number proving a highlight. Assaf Gleizner's music may not always be the strongest or most memorable, yet songs prove humorous in their references to iconic moments from the series, between We Were On A Break to Central Perk Tango, a playful take on Chicago.

Photography Credit: Pamela Raith

Through Bob and Tobly McSmith's writing, several dark jokes feel ill-judged for a family-friendly, contemporary audience. A lot has changed from previous iterations, with numbers such as Dead Mommy and Ballad Of Fat Monica excluded due to their controversy. A moment in which characters suggest telling Janice that Chandler has died, rather than breaking up with her, lands particularly badly in light of Matthew Perry's recent passing. Despite these missteps, the ensemble maintains impressive standard of energy. Even when jokes fail to land due to uneven pacing, they are often salvaged by confident delivery and effective physical comedy.

Rather than one coherent storyline, we receive a musical collage of scenes from the sitcom's ten-season run, often in quick succession as timelines overlap or contradict one another. An episodic structure lacks narrative depth, yet the rhythm mirrors that of a sketch show. Engaging with the source material we already know and love, we expect perfection from the scenes they attempt to replicate for stage. However, its heavy reliance on in-jokes potentially excludes those unfamiliar with Friends.

FRIENDS! The Musical Parody is a crowd-pleasing experience that knows both what it is, and who its audience is. It may not push the boundaries of musical theatre, although laughter and nostalgia for die-hard fans is in abundance. Don't forget to get up and boogie with a final rendition of The Routine to close the evening off! At the New Wimbledon Theatre until 24th January, with further information below:

Tour Information and Tickets: https://friendsthemusicaltour.co.uk/