Friends The Musical Parody At Bradford Alhambra Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deborah Banasko
Being someone who watched every single episode of Friends from the launch of the first season, I have been desperate to see this show for some time. My excitement was matched with apprehension as the original cast are such a hard act to follow; I was worried this would just be the same as watching a high school performance of a West End Musical, a little bit cringe, and to quote Joey when he gets the new Huggy, “You’re not the same”. However as soon as the lights came up my 14-year-old daughter and I were sold.
If you have never seen the Friends TV series before (where have you been?) the musical is based on the premise of the show, following the lives of 6 friends in their twenties, living in 1990’s New York City. From the producers of Hairspray and the Director of The Full Monty, the talented and perfectly selected cast manage to bring the six iconic characters back to life. They are truly first class performers.
Fitting the best of ten seasons into a couple of hours took some serious writing skills and direction, but rather than following the exact timeline of the show they shook things up a little. The plot followed the same general trajectory, but the jokes and references that only a fan would appreciate were scattered in whatever order worked on stage. And believe me they packed most of them in. Including Monica wearing a chicken on her head.
The opening was particularly unique as the “warm up guy”, played by Edward Leigh (who also played Gunther, Marcel, Paolo and “Tom Selleck”… not Richard) did in fact treat us like a studio audience and had us laughing and shouting before the show even started. Cue the reveal of the famous purple door and the real show began…
I had no idea what to expect in terms of the music, although I was hoping for the opening titles number and “Smelly Cat”, but for legal reasons this wasn’t allowed. However, do not despair as instead we had “Smelly Mom”, and snippets of the theme tune cleverly worked into other numbers throughout.
The songs were original, and we particularly loved the “Central Perk Tango” which referenced the show “Chicago”. The vocals were first class and we warmed to all of the cast instantly.
I have to mention Daniel Parkinson who plays Chandler Bing, as well as Janice. His rendition of “OMG it’s Janice” had the entire audience laughing he was simply amazing and captured her perfectly.
My daughter’s favourite scene was the flashback to the 80’s complete with Chandler, Ross and Rachels amazing hairstyles and Monica in her fat suit. Personally I don’t think you can beat Ross and his leather pants.
The costumes looked like they had been lifted directly from the show which felt so special, particularly the three ladies’ selections and wow did they manage those costume changes in record time. The set was iconic in every way and really took me back to my 20’s.
The age rating is 13+, and whilst I did see some younger kids in the audience you have to question whether you or your 11-year-old would want to sit through the song “Two Girls, One Condom” together. My daughter and I discussed this and we think the age guidance was spot on.
This is a parody of the sitcom, and it pokes fun at many aspects like you would an old friend. It is designed for lovers of the TV series otherwise you just won’t keep up with the jokes and references, or the song names such as “Pivot” or “We Were On A break”. We enjoyed the references to Jennifer Aniston’s cosmetics deals and Brad Pitt (just don’t mention Angelina!). There is a lot crammed in so you really are gripped throughout.
Did the cast try to emulate the original cast? Of course they did, and to such an amazing and comedic standard. Did we watch the same old jokes and sketches? Yes, thank goodness, but with a twist and a sprinkle of sarcasm. But did they still hit the same spot? Absolutely, my daughter and I laughed throughout. With the bonus of amazing music, I could reminisce and enjoy one of my favourite shows all over again in a new way but with the same iconic lines. It was a fresh take on a classic show. Could It BE anymore entertaining? (apologies).
This show is a feel-good nostalgic musical for any lover of Friends… with the cherry on top at the end being one of the best show finales I have seen. I won’t spoil it, but get on your feet and join in with the standing ovation.
I would award Friends! The Musical Parody 5/5 stars; I did feel that the second half was slightly superior to the first, but the general consensus on the busy train ride home was full marks and I have to agree.
Rating: 5/5 stars
The show runs from 27th- 31st January 2026, and tickets are priced between £21 and £48 (age guidance 13+).
You can purchase tickets here: https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/friends-the-musical-parody
Friends! The Musical Parody production shots credits “2026 touring company”.