Venue: Noel Coward Theatre, London
Date Reviewed: 20th February 2008

Avenue Q has surprised many critics by staying in the West End for so long. But considering the new pricing strategy and the fact that it is so refreshingly different and extremely funny, you can see why audiences love it so much.

This hit show began life as a musical theatre workshop project and has since grown into a monster hit with many loyal fans coming back for more. Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez have created a show which highlights their love of musical theatre, without resorting to the earnest lyrics which so often leave you cringing.

Instead the audience are treated to zany treats like “It Sucks To Be Me” and “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” which subvert what has gone before in the same way as Jerry Springer The Opera. The big difference is that this show is as cute as a button because beneath all of the social statements, there is a huge heart.

The plot, as slim as it is focuses on the lives and loves of a group of people living on Avenue Q; think Sesame Street with gay puppets, the odd nymph and a cookie style monster who loves porn instead of biscuits. So, what you have is a clever and witty show which plays well to many age groups. Those who grew up with the educational puppet show will love the nostalgic twists and younger audiences will be drawn to the racy lyrics and the freshness of the material.

The performers are excellent with Daniel Boys really excelling himself as Princeton and Rod. Playing a funny yet repressed gay man and a directionless American who has yet to follow his dreams gives him plenty of scope and he grabs the puppets wth both hands- displaying great comic timing and big vocals.

He is matched by the superb Rebecca Lock as Kate Monster/Lucy The Slut – who is as multi talented as her male co star. Yanle Zhong embraces the humour of the script but does tend to be a bit shrill at times. But she does deliver every joke with real precision. Likewise Mark Goldthorp is hilarious as Nicky, Trekkie Monster and a bad news bear.

Sure, the first half is better than the second as it does slightly stretch the concept. But when a show is as laugh-out-loud funny as this and twice as touching, it is hard to resist.

With special offers Monday to Thursday, Avenue Q is just the ticket to chase away the blues.

-Glenn Meads

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 at 9:30 am and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.