Friends The Musical review: A high-octane, joyously silly night out in Cork

I hope Rachel’s wig has its own dressing room, because it steals the show.

Friends the Musical plays in Cork Opera House, Emmet Place, Cork from 13-18 April 2026. Picture: Pamela Raith Cork opera house

★★★★☆

Nostalgia is having a moment. From reboots to reunion specials, we all seem desperate to return somewhere safe and familiar, where best buds hang out all day in coffee shops but never pay the bill. So it’s no surprise that Friends has leapt from screen to stage, arriving at the Cork Opera House to an opening night crowd that knows exactly what it wants: comfort, callbacks, and a chance to shout “PIVOT!” in public without consequence.