Based on the cult American TV series of the 90s/00s, the currently touring production of Friendsical in the UK blends comedy and music in the most amusing of ways. Friends was, and still is thanks to streaming, known by fans everywhere for its hilarious but troublesome insights into adult life via the captivating misadventures of its core New York-based cast. Transitioning the show from television to stage for this particular production was exhilarating to watch as a spectator. As a fan (albeit less hardcore than some) of the original, I had high expectations that this would be good, and I’m pleased to say it exceeded them hugely.
Cramming 10 seasons’ worth of nostalgia into a two-and-a-half-hour theatrical show must have been a daunting task but the performers took it in their stride, improvising and impersonating the characters very believably. Of particular note in this regard are Monica and Chandler, played by Sarah Michelle-Kelly and Tim Edwards, respectively. Rachel and Ross’s chemistry, meanwhile – played by Nelson Bettencourt and Amelia Kinu Muus – and their infamous on-again-off-again relationship was pure genius, jamming all the anecdotes and niche details necessary to make their dynamic not only true to the show but also the heart of the stage version’s story. Using the character of Ross in the narrator’s role was also an interesting choice.
With an already complicated plot line to play around with due to the vast number of episodes the show had, the musical had to pick and choose which classic pieces of Friends ‘lore’ to focus on, and it certainly knows who and what the audience wants to see the most. One consistent feature, for instance, is Janice, Chandler’s long-time on-off girlfriend, whose appearances made me crease so much. Not part of Friends history but a similarly welcome addition was Kimberly Wyatt, former Pussycat Doll and now famous singer, dancer and actress in her own right, who made various guest cameos for this Cardiff stint of the Friendsical tour.
Not only were the caricatures well cast, but Friendsical also integrates some of the TV show’s original music and convincingly reproduces props and set pieces, including the sofas from Monica and Rachel’s apartment, the backdrop of coffee hangout Central Perk, and even the kitschy dog statue.
An abundance of original musical numbers were created for the production, as you’d expect from the title. Some of my favourites were (He’s Her) Lobster!, You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me? and Richard’s Moustache (referring to Tom Selleck’s moustachioed DILF, of course), which were all very funny and nicely choreographed, keeping the energy in the room high throughout the entire performance.
Comedy is so hard to perfect, but Friendsical provides plenty to laugh out loud at and a huge variety of humour at that, from slapstick to dramatic irony to comedy sound effects in time to music, and costume changes so fast, you’ll wonder how they pulled them off.
Overall, it was such a pleasure to experience; weaving together iconic characters and theatrics with some absolutely stunning dance performances. Those who aren’t into the show will still have plenty to laugh at, while lovers of Friends will appreciate how magically the stage is transformed to suit the demands of the performance, faithfully transposing the sit-com from the small screen at home to the theatre in front of a live crowd.
Thurs 8 Sep, New Theatre, Cardiff.
Friendsical is at the New Theatre, Cardiff until Sat 10 Sep before touring the UK. Tickets: £15-£32. Info: here
words MEG EVANS
