Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

It surely goes without saying that you need to be a fan of Friends to get anything out of this brisk recap of the sitcom’s 236 episodes, as seen through the eyes of Central Perk’s always overlooked barista Gunther.

Not that such a restriction is likely to limit his audience much: the show is held in such affection that even the set can go on tour and sell out at £34 a pop. Plywood is earning more than most UK comedians at this point.

The One With Gunther doesn’t add much to the Friends canon, with Brendan Murphy essentially name-checking plot points, memorable moments and supporting characters to evoke fond feelings in the room.

Yes, he addresses aspects of the show that are problematical, from fat-shaming the young Monica, the frequent homophobic tone, Ross dating his students, and let’s not get started on Chandler’s father, now a trans woman. But this won’t come as much surprise to anyone who’s been on the internet in the 17 years since the comedy’s been off-air.

The framing device is that he’s trying to track down the six regular coffee shop customers who he considered friends, especially Rachel, for whom he harboured an unrequited love. I hope we don’t have to add a proto-incel obsession to the list of shame – but here Murphy portrays him entirely affectionately. 

His ‘quest’ is a tissue-thin motivation for his reminiscences about the characters, but that’s all Murphy needs for a ramshackle but spirited romp through the ten seasons. There are wigs and props and songs and choreography and even a brief game show featuring an audience member. 

He’s a likeable, high-energy performer driving this show on enough charisma, he hopes, for no one to notice the paucity of the writing. If you're happy to recall the box of shame, the Thanksgiving turkey on the head, the letter Rachel wrote that was '18 pages front and back’, without much context, then you’ll be satisfied.

For example, at one point Murphy asks an audience member to help him move the sofa he’s been using. They each take a side. Murphy says ‘pivot’ as you knew he surely would. Audience laughs. And scene!

If you're not au fait with the minutiae of the programme, a lot might pass you by and if you’re seeking any sort of reimagining of the Friends world, this isn’t the show for you either. But if you are missing the characters, come reminisce, Murphy’s a charming, energetic guide.

 The obvious conclusion is that while Murphy’s in full-throttle his script feels like it’s always stuck in second gear.

• Friend (The One With Gunther) is at the Pleasance at EICC at 6pm until August 29th, not Wednesdays.

Review date: 18 Aug 2021
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Pleasance @ EICC