Avenue Q is a show that is unlike any other. With a mix of puppets and human characters, you follow a group of characters as they struggle to find their purpose in life and work out how their life can suck a little bit less. With a complete mix of individuals from a kindergarten teacher called Kate Monster, to Rod, a Republican that's deep within the closet. Their tales are woven together and you see this dysfunctional yet brilliant community blend together on stage.
With songs and lyrics written by Robert Lopez (Book of Mormon and Frozen) and Jeff Marx, you know you are in safe yet hilarious hands! Songs with titles such as The Internet Is For Porn and Everyone's A Little Bit Racist are ones that definitely cross a line, but do so in jest and with puppets that remind you of Sesame Street characters singing them. It's lewd, crude and something that will have you laughing along from start to finish but will also leave you full of compassion and self reflecting on life and society today. They seem to hit the sweet spot of hilarity and sincerity in one puppet shaped box.
Each time I see the show I'm blown away with the puppetry. How the actors manage to manipulate all the puppets in a way that the actors seem an extension of the puppets is beyond me. They just look so effortless and brilliant on stage. I have to give a massive nod to Cecily Redman who blew me away as both Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut. She had an amazing vocal range and was so expressive, I was always drawn to her performance when she took to the stage. But everyone from the main characters to the ensemble worked so hard when they were both on and off stage that you can't help but admire their showmanship.
This show is one that has stood the test of time, it's one that anyone of any age can relate to and enjoy. It's a barrel of laughs and one that will leave you self reflective and let you escape for a few hours in the theatre. It's a show that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime, if not more. One that I honestly can't wait to see again at some point in the future. No matter what age you may be (it's a 14+ by the way as it's quite graphic at times!) there's something in the show for you. I can't urge you to see this show any more as it's just utterly brilliant! It's time to head down Avenue Q at the Mayflower today.
*Note: Tickets were gifted, but all opinions are my own.
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