A beloved TV sitcom started in the 90’s. Ten seasons full of laugh-out-loud comedy, emotional highs and lows of a friendship between six thirty-somethings living in New York. Plus an on and off-again relationship that put viewers through the ringer every season capturing the world’s attention. Brooke Mauchline Productions presents ‘Friendsical’, a monstrous parody musical acting as a love letter to the show Friends. Performed at Assembly Rooms – Music Hall from the 3rd– 28th August.
‘Friendsical’ confusingly presents the much-adored actors/characters in a show within a show, within a show! Where the actors in the production are portraying the cast of the show playing their respective characters and are also playing actors on top of this? Attempting to take audiences through 10 years worth of content in 1 hour, not an entirely impossible task but this production is unsuccessful in its attempt to do so. The non-chronological timeline of various moments of hilarity in the show get lost in the overly exaggerated performances and musical numbers performed by the cast. Whilst I can appreciate that the cast of actors are obviously talented musical theatre performers, the fact that none of the cast actually have no physical similarity to the cast of Friends (besides Tim Edward’s Chandler) makes this an instant obstacle to connect to cast.
Nelson Bettencourt is insufferable as Ross, consistently playing up to the audience with every lame attempt at referring to the show. Berrencourt endeavours to lead the production, guiding audiences through the messed up timeline presented in the show. Amelia Kinu Muus as Rachel is completely reliant on the physical gags of the character. Whilst Muss brings some lovely energy to the characterisation of Rachel, there were far too many misses than hits. Sarah Michelle-Kelly’s portrayal of Monica is one full of chaotic energy. I appreciated the Monica character calling Ross out on the absurdity of the timeline and setting it all in the coffee shop. Tim Edward’s Chandler was one of the more notable performances in the production, Edward’s interpretation of the character was accurate and felt more true to the comedic nature of the character. Sario Solomon’s Joey and Ally Retberg’s Phoebe felt underwritten and the performers were utilised more in the portrayal of other guest starring roles, for example Retberg’s Janice and Solomon’s Chloe gave the actors space to shine in these cameo roles. Olivia Williamson as part of the female ensemble playing a slew of characters brought moments of humour throughout. Tanveer Singh Devgun plays Gunther / Male Ensemble. Devgun’s performance is funny and finally places a spotlight on the unofficial 7th friend.
Miranda Larson: Director / Writer & Lyricist should be commended for the attempt to create a musical parody of Friends. However there are too many issues with the production that it’s difficult to find the positives for this messy show.
The best way to describe ‘Friendsical’ would be as if you fell asleep watching the brilliant TV show and had a nightmare about it in the form of an amateur pantomime with musical numbers. If you’re a Friends fan you’ll get the references made if you can get past the convoluted storyline and Halloween-style costuming of the characters. I hope audiences enjoy this production more than this reviewer. However, as a theatrical endeavor this show fails to achieve what it’s set out to do and misses the mark in honouring the cult classic show.
You can book your tickets for ‘Friendsical’ via the link below…
Theatre Scotland 
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