It may be thirty years since the first episode of “Friends” appeared, not to mention twenty years since the last one was aired, but the re-runs, DVDs and streaming have not only kept its remarkable run of ten seasons constantly available, but have enthralled whole new generations of viewers with the almost-slightly-believable relationships of six single, attractive, interestingly dressed New Yorkers who apparently never realised that life was gonna be this way. But wait – there were really seven regulars who appeared in every season, hung out at Central Perk coffee house and held their breath whenever Rachel made yet another bad decision. Yes, number seven was barista Gunther (the boy with the sunshine hair), never part of the gang but always the quiet presence in the background. Unsurprisingly, given “Friends” undiminished fan-base, writer Brendan Murphy’s one-man show was a huge hit at the Edinburgh Festival, where Joseph Maudsley first performed it in 2013. And though it may be a solo show it manages to involve more characters than you’d believe, as our host Gunther/Maudsley zips through quick-fire impersonations of all the guest stars and supporting roles aided only by the odd wig or ‘tache. He also acts out all six of the Friends themselves, doing a particularly good Chandler and absolutely nailing the damp shenanigans of the opening sequence. Oh yes – he also sings, catching the buzz of - er - the 90s vibe. And he tells it like it is, condensing the plot lines of all ten seasons into seventy minutes while opening up about the inner Gunther. There’s heartbreak, rejection, audience participation and (let’s hope) closure.  Sadly the TV actor who played Gunther, James Michael Tyler, died in 2021, having devoted his later life to raising funds and awareness for cancer charities, This show was dedicated to his memory.

Gail-Nina Anderson