And so, 2026 is upon us and for my first trip to the theatre this year, one of my most significant reviewing challenges was to occur. Touring to Milton Keynes Theatre is Friends - The Musical Parody, based, unsurprisingly, on that little American show that ran to a few audience members for ten years. However, I confess that I was not, and have never been in that audience, never having seen a single episode of the show. However, always up for a review challenge and doing my due diligence by having a Friends superfan as my plus one, I headed to Milton Keynes with anticipation.
For those unfamiliar with the show, I could say I can’t help; however, a quick review of some of the information you might need (thanks, Google and my plus one). Running for ten years between 1994 and 2004 with 236 episodes (quiz question, you are welcome), the main characters consisted of Phoebe (ditzy, writer of sad songs), Monica (in possession of an unfeasibly expensive apartment), Ross (intelligent and goofy), Joey (good natured, simple minded struggling actor), Rachel (in a relationship with Ross unless on a break and the one with that hairstyle) and Chandler (deeply humorous with a past relationship with Janice). Oh, and Gunther, a barista at Central Perk, an often frequented coffee shop.
If you are thinking of seeing this show, chances are you know a great deal more than that; however, for those unfamiliar with it, much of the above is enough to provide a great deal of entertainment, as it was for me. Written by Bob and Tobly McSmith (book and lyrics) and Assaf Gleizner (music), this is an immensely dedicated show, created, without question, with true love for the source material. Even if you are not a superfan, you can see that this production drips with detail, from throwaway props that hint at classic moments or episodes to single lines that allude to entire long-running story threads or episodes. This is very much a labour of love by the creation team.
Elsewhere, there are some excellent performances, with the entire cast nailing their individual characters with dedication. Particularly strong is Enzo Benvenuti as Ross, who brings the character's awkwardness to life extremely well. Alicia Belgrade brings a warmth to the role of Monica, making her quietly one of the most likeable characters. Amelia Atherton is delightfully quirky as Phoebe, always reliably there with a guitar and a downbeat song.
Ronnie Burden (a fun fact: an actor cast in the role who had never seen the show before) is equally likeable, but of the six main characters here, he is given the least material to get his teeth into. Eva Hope brings the iconic Rachel to the stage, perfecting those mannerisms familiar to devoted fans of the show. Finally, we have the physically superb Daniel Parkinson and his Chandler, and perhaps a certain other character; however, let's leave that as a surprise if you get to see the show.
Completing the main cast is Edward Leigh, who brings to the stage an assortment of characters, including the warm-up guy, who forms part of the piece's structure, presents us as audience members at the recording of the show, and breaks through the fourth wall. This concept works to a certain extent, but perhaps, with a reappearance in the second half, it is a little overplayed, with audience members just craving more Friends Easter Eggs in the main show. Leigh, however, as a performer, is superb, a scene stealer in almost every character he brings to the stage, particularly as the hugely lovable Gunther.
For those observant so far, you would recognise that this is a “musical” parody, so what of the songs themselves? The simple answer is that, for the most part, these are an excellent and strong part of the show. Many take familiar songs from shows like Chicago and Rent as their structure, while others go their own way. Vocal performances from the cast are excellent, with some excellent harmonies. Particularly strong songs include Classic Sitcom Situation, OMG It’s Janice and a glorious solo titled Part of the Gang, which is extremely well received by the audience. The only disappointment with the music was a very obvious sound balance issue, leaving many lyrics difficult to hear in the group numbers. Hopefully, this can be improved throughout the run.
The set from Andrew Exeter is expertly crafted, seamlessly creating both a TV studio and the show's familiar locales, with a cast and stage crew bringing it to life. This, coupled with strikingly accurate costumes and make-up by Jennie Quirk and Craig Forrest-Thomas, extends the production's tremendous dedication.
Friends - The Musical Parody is a cracking show, far more a tribute infact than the parody of the title, whether you're a superfan or even, dare I say, like myself, someone who has never seen the show. It is a tremendously fast-paced production under the direction of Michael Gyngell, full of energy throughout, and really does come recommended for a lively and very funny evening of theatre.
If you are thinking of seeing this show, chances are you know a great deal more than that; however, for those unfamiliar with it, much of the above is enough to provide a great deal of entertainment, as it was for me. Written by Bob and Tobly McSmith (book and lyrics) and Assaf Gleizner (music), this is an immensely dedicated show, created, without question, with true love for the source material. Even if you are not a superfan, you can see that this production drips with detail, from throwaway props that hint at classic moments or episodes to single lines that allude to entire long-running story threads or episodes. This is very much a labour of love by the creation team.
Ronnie Burden (a fun fact: an actor cast in the role who had never seen the show before) is equally likeable, but of the six main characters here, he is given the least material to get his teeth into. Eva Hope brings the iconic Rachel to the stage, perfecting those mannerisms familiar to devoted fans of the show. Finally, we have the physically superb Daniel Parkinson and his Chandler, and perhaps a certain other character; however, let's leave that as a surprise if you get to see the show.
Completing the main cast is Edward Leigh, who brings to the stage an assortment of characters, including the warm-up guy, who forms part of the piece's structure, presents us as audience members at the recording of the show, and breaks through the fourth wall. This concept works to a certain extent, but perhaps, with a reappearance in the second half, it is a little overplayed, with audience members just craving more Friends Easter Eggs in the main show. Leigh, however, as a performer, is superb, a scene stealer in almost every character he brings to the stage, particularly as the hugely lovable Gunther.
For those observant so far, you would recognise that this is a “musical” parody, so what of the songs themselves? The simple answer is that, for the most part, these are an excellent and strong part of the show. Many take familiar songs from shows like Chicago and Rent as their structure, while others go their own way. Vocal performances from the cast are excellent, with some excellent harmonies. Particularly strong songs include Classic Sitcom Situation, OMG It’s Janice and a glorious solo titled Part of the Gang, which is extremely well received by the audience. The only disappointment with the music was a very obvious sound balance issue, leaving many lyrics difficult to hear in the group numbers. Hopefully, this can be improved throughout the run.
The set from Andrew Exeter is expertly crafted, seamlessly creating both a TV studio and the show's familiar locales, with a cast and stage crew bringing it to life. This, coupled with strikingly accurate costumes and make-up by Jennie Quirk and Craig Forrest-Thomas, extends the production's tremendous dedication.
Friends - The Musical Parody is a cracking show, far more a tribute infact than the parody of the title, whether you're a superfan or even, dare I say, like myself, someone who has never seen the show. It is a tremendously fast-paced production under the direction of Michael Gyngell, full of energy throughout, and really does come recommended for a lively and very funny evening of theatre.
An immensely detailed and hugely funny tribute to the classic series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance reviewed: Tuesday 13th January, 2026 at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes.
Friends - The Musical Parody runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 17th January, 2026.
For further details of the Friends - The Musical Parody tour, see the website at https://friendsthemusicaltour.co.uk/
Photographs: Pamela Raith Photography
