Friends

Friends! The Musical Parody coming to Cirencester’s Barn Theatre: UK and Ireland tour planned

Fans of the iconic TV show are in for a treat as Friends! The Musical Parody opens at Cirencester’s Barn Theatre on 14 July 2025. This must-see musical comedy promises a summer of laughter before launching a nationwide tour.

A beloved sitcom reimagined as musical comedy

Directed by Michael Gyngell, known for his work on The Full Monty, Friends! The Musical Parody celebrates the memorable moments of the original Friends series. Audiences can expect a fast-paced, uncensored comedy with all the fan-favourite catchphrases and mishaps that made Friends a household name. This adaptation blends humour with a fresh musical score, creating a hilarious homage for both newcomers and die-hard fans.

Friends! UK tour dates and ticket information

After its Cirencester debut, the show will tour some of the UK and Ireland’s top theatres, with stops including Nottingham Theatre Royal, Sunderland Empire, and Cardiff’s New Theatre. Here are some key dates:

  • Barn Theatre, Cirencester: 14 July – 23 August 2025
  • Nottingham Theatre Royal: 15 – 20 September 2025
  • Sunderland Empire: 22 – 27 September 2025
  • Cheltenham Everyman Theatre: 6 – 11 October 2025
  • Dublin Bord Gais Theatre: 20 – 25 October 2025

Barn Theatre ticket sales open early for Barn Friends members on 4 November, with general ticket sales beginning on 11 November 2024. Early booking is recommended due to anticipated high demand.

Friends! Creative team and production insights

This production has a powerhouse creative team, including Books & Lyrics by Bob and Tobly McSmith, Music by Assaf Gleizner, and Set and Lighting Design by Andrew Exeter. According to Mark Goucher, the show’s producer, Friends! The Musical Parody marks an exciting collaboration with Barn Theatre: “We’re thrilled to work with Iwan and his team on this brand-new production, which will then delight audiences across the UK and Ireland.”

A show for fans and newcomers alike

The show is recommended for ages 13 and up, making it a fun outing for both teens and adults who grew up with Friends in the 90s. Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Barn, Iwan Lewis, says, “Could we BE any more excited for next summer?” This musical adaptation not only brings fans the beloved humour and characters they know but also injects a modern, musical twist that promises to resonate with all.

Don’t miss this unique chance to see Friends! The Musical Parody live on stage. To stay updated, visit The Barn Theatre’s official website. Further tour dates and casting details will be announced soon, so keep an eye out!

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.