Avenue Q

Shaftesbury Theatre

Playing until 29th August 2026

Book tickets

Photo credit: Matt Crockett

Review {final preview performance}

Searching for his purpose after graduating college, Princeton (Noah Harrison), ends up in Avenue Q, a more affordable area of New York. Each of the inhabitant’s journey unfolds as they try to go about their daily lives and overcome their struggles as they reach out for their dreams.

There is no other way to describe it, Jeff Whitty’s book is bonkers, but fittingly so for this ridiculous musical parody of Sesame Street. The characters' stories are joined by a common thread, dreams and purpose. With the exception of the porn obsessed Trekkie Monster (Charlie McCullagh), all of the other characters have faced some kind of adversity, whether it is a degree in English, no romantic relationship, being laid off or conned by parents, these are soulfully channelled through “It sucks to be me”.  

There is no shortage of innuendos, sexual fantasies and explicit sex between puppets in this show, but do not confuse this outright crassness with a lack of depth. Buried within the music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, this ridiculous musical teaches the audiences to take obstacles on the chin and one’s purpose is not defined by fate or by others, it rests on the hands of oneself.  

It is also not afraid to say things that many people think about but dare not utter: what to do with a BA in English, the internet is used excessively for porn, and through “Everyone’s a little bit racist”, it plays with the very foundation of racial stereotypes. It is incredibly refreshing to hear this out loud unapologetically and I am adamant everyone has thought of or have done at least one of these things in their life!

This exceptional cast brings this puppet ensemble to life with utmost humour. Many actors take on the role of more than one puppet; all of whom must be applauded for the finesse they bring to the stage. Harrison puppeteers the newly graduated Princeton and closeted investment banker Rod, bringing comical and easily distinguishable delivery to both characters. Similarly, Emily Benjamin controls two characters with opposing personalities, the more reserved and hopeful teaching assistant Kate Monster and the world-famous Lucy the Slut. I was completely blown away by Harrison and Benjamin’s take on their puppet characters, bringing their own larger than life facial expressions to accompany their vocal delivery. Amelia Kinu Muus in the role of Christmas Eve also deserves a particular mention. Even though she is one of the only three cast members playing a human character, she frequently steals the scene with her boss woman demeanour.

This show is nothing and would not work anywhere near as well it does without puppets designed by Rick Lyon, each of them imbued with life and character, enabling the actors to have extortionate amount of fun with them. The set designed by Anna Louizos is colourful and fun, adding another layer of excitement to this show.

Is the story ridiculous? Yes! Is it vulgar? yes! Is it offensive? Only if you want it to be and fail to see its charm. Delivered through comical puppets and emotive characters, Avenue Q urges everyone to live in the moment and teaches many life-affirming lessons through some of the naughtiest puppets.

Creatives

Original Conception, Music and Lyrics: Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx

Book: Jeff Whitty

Director: Jason Moore

Musical Director: Benjamin Holder

Choreographer: Ebony Molina

Puppet conception and Designer: Rick Lyon

Set Designer: Anna Louizos

Costume Designer: Jean Chan

Lighting Designer: Tim Lutkin

Sound Designer: Paul Groothuis

Projection/Video Designer: Nina Dunn for Pixellus

Hair and Makeup Designer: Jackie Saundercock