Avenue Q (tour – Cambridge)
Theatre deliberately blurs the boundaries between what is real and what is simulated. Masks and puppets add their own dimension, especially when well-handled. Avenue Q is a fine example of inanimate objects taking on an actuality which outstrips that of their manipulators. The cartoonesque rod puppets created by Rick Lyon often seem more human than their grey-clad flesh-and-blood alter egos.
It’s a young cast for a young people’s show, though one with a message of tolerance which is for all age groups. Rachel Jerram is excellent as Kate, looking for love and a worthwhile career, and makes much of her “Fine, fine line” ballad. Adam Pettigrew plays Princeton (the graduate without a job), Edward Judge is Brian and Matthew J Henry almost steals the show as Gary. Jacqueline Tate, Katharine Moraz and Luke Kempner are all good.