To celebrate the 21st birthday of FRIENDS, Comedy Central recreated the sitcom’s iconic sets along with an exhibition of props and memorabilia. And it was everything I hoped it would be and more.
With my friend in tow, someone who loves Friends just as much as me, we made our way to a warehouse on London’s Brick Lane. On entering we were greeted by a video message from Central Perk’s very own Gunther aka James Michael Tyler. The man himself made a real life appearance for the opening press launch, but apart from onscreen he was no where to be seen on this occasion. There goes that selfie..
To the right was a street lamp with an attached street sign reading Friends Exhibit. Here was an array of memorable numbered stills from the series spread across the wall, with a list of episodes matching to each picture.Â
We then jumped into two leather recliner chairs in the first recreated set; Joey and Chandler’s living room, where we briefly watched an episode on a television placed in Joey’s replicated hand-made wooden cabinet.
Past the boys’ apartment were two glass cabinets filled with props from the show. These included Joey’s draft speech for Monica and Chandler’s wedding, that letter Rachel wrote for Ross (FRONT AND BACK!), Science Boy and Rachel’s baby scan.
Reaching the end of the cabinet, my eyes were drawn outside towards the iconic colourful umbrellas surrounding a flowing water fountain with a New York City backdrop. Cue opening titles!
I then seized the opportunity that ever Friends fanatic dreams of – a photo on Central Perk’s orange sofa!
Opposite this was a Central Perk inspired café where we bagged ourselves a free cookie and coffee, possibly one of the best I’ve ever had – courtesy of Lidl. Hot beverage in hand, we arrived at Rachel’s salon where you could be treated to a complimentary blow dry. Yes, really! So if you happen to see a large number of people across London sporting The Rachel, you know where they’re coming from.
Our penultimate stop, and possibly the most exciting, was Monica’s apartment. From the front door frame to a shopping list attached to the fridge, every detail was executed to perfection – binoculars were even placed on the desk to spy on Ugly Naked Guy! Designer Seamus Stack is said to have spent two and a half weeks recreating the abode which was achieved through studying episodes.
Approaching the end of the tour was Phoebe’s Busking Area including her yellow cab, guitar and microphone stand. But before we did a rendition of Smelly Cat, we spotted a clothes rack situated next to a photo booth where we were encouraged to choose an outfit. So while my friend opted for Rachel’s cheerleader top plus pom-poms, I grabbed the wedding dress.
No event is complete without memorabilia. With Central Perk tea mugs, travel flasks, coasters, key rings and posters, fans could walk away with another memento of the eventful day. My only criticism was that there were no clothing items!
As a die hard Friends fan, I was weary that the event would not live up to expectations, but it easily exceeded them. It was clearly evident how hard all those involved worked not only in putting the sets together but also in making it a pleasurable experience for all attendees. The Comedy Central staff were welcoming and attentive, offering to take countless photos on multiple devices without protest.
Now when I have my evening cuppa in my Central Perk tea mug sat on a Central Perk coaster, I can look back on the day, grateful that I was fortunate enough to attend.
