6 February 2026
Reviewed by Lissy Dutch
The One Where They All Start Singing… FRIENDS the Musical brings 90s Nostalgia to Edinburgh!
Grab your lobster or your besties because for this weekend only, The Edinburgh Playhouse’s address is 495 Grove Street and it serves the best antidote to the February blues in town! FRIENDS the Musical is a massive musical time machine. Suddenly, it’s 1994. The air smells like hairspray and espresso, and we’re back on the soundstage of the world’s biggest sitcom. Edward Leigh fabulously takes up the role of stand-up comedian, warming up the crowd with that unmistakable, quaint New York charm, preparing us for the arrival of the six best friends who spend their lives at Central Perk, apparently the only coffee shop in all of Manhattan.
From the first chord, the Edinburgh Playhouse transforms into a temple of 90s nostalgia, but with a twist. This parody leans hard into the absurdity of the original premise, mocking the very tropes we spent a decade falling in love with. We’re asked to “suspend our disbelief” into how Monica could possibly afford such a massive apartment on such a minimal salary and ignore the fact that the door to their flat was always unlocked and they never paid for their coffee. The cast doesn’t just play these characters; they inhabit the caricatures we’ve built in our heads and weaponise their famous tics for laughs. From the exaggerated sighs of Ross, and over the top punchline deliveries and physical comedy of Chandler, to the manic personality swaps of Phoebe, FRIENDS the Musical turns these quirks into high-octane showstoppers, reminding us that while the logic was flawed, their chemistry was undeniable.
The show also brilliantly pays homage to the quirky peripheral characters that defined the era. Gunther, Janice, and even a “mustache-heavy” tribute to Tom Selleck are celebrated through ridiculously funny solos and over-the-top, music-video-style dance numbers that bring the house down. Ultimately, it’s a caffeinated, chaotic trip down memory lane that proves that even thirty years later, these characters are still “there for us”, just with a lot more jazz hands, and we’re HERE for it!
Starring Enzo Benvenuti as Ross, Alicia Belgarde as Monica, Daniel Parkinson as Chandler, Eva Hope as Rachel, Ronnie Burden as Joey, Amelia Atherton as Phoebe, Edward Leigh as Gunther, Tom Selleck & Paolo
Directed by Michel Gyngell
FRIENDS! The Musical Parody Tickets | Tours & Dates | ATG Tickets
12 January 2026
Reviewed by Lissy Dutch
Legendary & Cult Status Unlocked: The Rocky Horror Show Delivers a Rare Raucous Treat!
It’s a normal Thursday night in Edinburgh for January; it’s pitch dark, the pavements are icy and one would rather be snuggled up on the sofa with a takeaway rather than wandering the frozen streets. That is however, not the vibe as you near the Playhouse. Bejeweled patrons are gathering in droves, taking costumed selfies with the iconic Jason Donovan on the digital marquee.
Glam-Rock Punk Pomp and Circumstance are themes of the night. As an American-born Londoner turned Edinburgher, I am beyond excited by the dedication and effort put into the costumes. I find myself surrounded by sequined bodices and top hats to celebrate the vibrant Columbia and sultry corsets and fishnets to honour of the flamboyantly hedonistic Frank-n-Furter.
The house lights dim, and immediately you are immersed in the spectacle as the 1975 film is brought to life on the stage. Motherland’s Jackie Clune delights as the narrator, responding to audience participation with her quick wit and charming satirical retorts.
The famous story of the outrageously conventional Janet and Brad begins and the strength and cohesion of this cast is evident from the very first scene. The comedic timing, insane power-house vocals and dynamic choreography transport the audience to the otherworldly realm of Dr. Frank-n-Furter's castle with ease.
As Jason Donovan emerged cloaked in his Draculin robe, we knew we were in for a wild ride. His dedication to the role of the devilishly hedonistic Dr. Frank-n-Furter is apparent as he swishes across the stage in his fishnets and pearls in all his camp glory. Even RuPaul herself would have been proud of the former Neighbours alum. Donovan’s portrayal of the brilliantly chaotic transvestite mad scientist is sexy and comedic yet he manages to also showcase his melancholy and emotional side. His rendition of ‘I’m Going Home’ was a perfect juxtaposition to the raunchy alien, showing a sad and vulnerable, lonely creature who knows his time is up.
By the time the cast assembled for encore renditions of ‘Time Warp’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’, the audience were on their feet; dancing and singing our hearts out, punch-drunk on the joy, nostalgia, and energy only truly incredible theatre can bring.