Arriving in London at the perfect time to celebrate the beloved comedy’s 30th anniversary, the experience will provide plenty of nostalgia – even if it feels more could be added.
Friends as television show whether you liked it or not had a huge influence over the years, filled with relatable characters brilliant jokes and a genuine warmth and heart to it that is still celebrated now – which is why this experience is immensely enjoyable for fans of the show.
Taking fans and visitors through the journey from its humble beginnings all the way through all 10 series, The Friends Experience is a fun and nostalgic trip – even if it does leave you wanting even more.
Featuring replica sets to explore as well as fun facts, costumes and clips from plenty of episodes there is plenty here for fans to enjoy – including picture opportunities that will thrill fans such as taking a picture on the famous orange sofa in front of the fountain (which you can’t use your own camera or phone for – as it is one that you can choose to purchase at the end) or in the famous apartment spaces that are filled with plenty of detail.
Wondering around, it was a joy to be able to completely immerse yourself in the world created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman (who honestly had no idea how successful it was going to be), while finding a bit more of how it came to fruition. There are plenty of nice touches along the way – seeing Rachel’s infamous 18 page letter (front and back) blown up, a replica of the layout of Ross and Emily’s wedding chapel as well as seeing some of the costumes worn by the cast.
It does have to be said though, the whole experience feels slightly rushed in the way it is presented and feels as though it is over in the blink of an eye – no matter how long you linger in the sets or pause to watch certain clips play out (which still make you laugh no matter how many times you watch). I would have loved a little bit more focus on how even some of the best known episodes came together (I was surprised at the lack of references to Janice, Gunther, Ross and Monica’s parents – oh and the chick and the duck who also had a part to play in making episodes so memorable).
This being said, the opportunity to visit the sets (yes even if they are replicas) and sit on the famous couch in Central Perk or the lazyboys in Joey and Chandler’s apartment (complete with Hugsy – Joey’s beloved toy penguin) is still such a thrill and even learning things I had no comprehension of adds to the experience. For example did you know ‘We were on a break’ was said only 18 times during the show in contrast with ‘Oh.My. Gawd’ which was said over 1000 times (or four times per episode) or that Rachel had the most lines out of the main characters. This kind of detail could have been highlighted a little bit more – while a tribute to Matthew Perry certainly couldn’t have gone amiss.
Overall The Friends Experience is worth a visit for die-hard fans looking for some nostalgia or simply a chance to literally to jump into the show that they love so much. Just a bit more attention to detail would have been lovely to make it a complete experience.
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets for the experience visit: https://london.friendstheexperience.com/