A new comedy musical inspired by hit US TV show Friends is heading to Salford's Lowry Theatre. Friendsical is described as an "original, unique parody musical inspired by the hugely popular and beloved US TV show Friends".
It promises to cram in the best bits from 10 seasons and 236 episodes into "just over two hours of nostalgic fun" celebrating the show which revolved around six friends living in New York City. And that means we will get to relive some of Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler and Phoebe's best moments in the new theatre show for sure.
Audiences will get to join all six friends as they sit around the iconic brown couch in Central Perk and take a trip down memory lane. There's the promise of all the very best inside jokes, unforgettable scenes and storylines when it heads to The Lowry theatre from October 31.
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The new musical features original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!’, ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?’. We can expect to see the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention.
The show will also feature celebrity guest appearances during the Salford run - which is at The Lowry from Monday October 31 - Saturday November 5. Pop star Louise Redknapp and RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Ella Vaday are both confirmed to take on the guest slots - with Ella on Monday to Wednesday evenings and the Friday and Saturday matinee, while Louise will be on stage from Thursday to Saturday evenings.
Louise and Ella will be joining the cast in Salford making special cameo appearances and performing in musical number ‘Richard’s Moustache’. As an acclaimed recording artist of albums ‘Naked’, ‘Woman in Me’ and as a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, Louise is no stranger to taking the stage, and singer, dancer, drag star Ella, certainly knows how to put on a show having performed in countless musicals before appearing on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Season 3.
Louise Reknapp says: “I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be a special guest for Friendsical… I’ve always been such a huge Friends fan as you may know and now finally get a chance to be part of the show (sort of!), I’ve watched the show for many years so this is super exciting for me.”
The new musical is written and directed by Miranda Larson (Christmasaurus, The Night Pirates, Cartoon Network Live). She says: "From day one of airing, I have been a huge fan of the TV Show, and it has been a dream to stage and celebrate this iconic series.
"There is something for everyone in Friendsical, from the well-known references to ones that only mega fans (like me) will get. Oh and if you are new to “Friends”, then it’s a fun musical love story that can be easily followed!”
Playing everyone’s favourite friends are Sario Solomon as Joey, Sarah Michelle-Kelly as Monica, Nelson Bettencourt as Ross, Tim Edwards as Chandler, Ally Retberg as Phoebe, Amelia Kinu Muus as Rachel, Olivia Williamson as Hot Girl/Ensemble and Tanveer Singh Devgun as Gunther/Male Ensemble.
With book and lyrics by Miranda Larson and music by Barrie Bignold, Friendsical is choreographed by Darren Carnall and associate choreographer Michael Vinsen. The set and costume is designed by Anthony Lamble with lighting design by Dominic Jeffrey and sound design by Olly Steel. Casting is by Nicholas Hockaday and it is produced by Nick Brooke, William Burdett Coutts, Philip Noel and Dave Mauchline.
Friendsical is produced by Brooke Mauchline Productions Ltd in association with Assembly Festival. Theatre bosses are keen to point out: "This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends."
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