Avenue Q introduces hydration breaks for West End cast

The West End production of Avenue Q has introduced hydration breaks for its ongoing run.

The decision comes in the midst of a record-breaking heatwave sweeping across the UK, with high temperatures expected into the weekend.

In one of the show’s Instagram posts (which WhatsOnStage was invited to collaborate on), the company explained: “From tonight’s performance onwards, there will be a short hydration break in both act one and act two, giving everyone a chance to stay refreshed until the weather cools down a little!”

The move is reminiscent of the current Men’s Football World Cup, where hydration breaks have been introduced to each half.

You can watch a small skit from the Shaftesbury Theatre stage below:

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The show has returned to the West End to mark its 20th anniversary, with a revival playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre until the newly extended date of 3 January 2027.

Written by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, with a book by Jeff Whitty, Avenue Q follows Princeton, a recent college graduate who moves into a rundown New York apartment block and learns life lessons from his eccentric neighbours.

The show received a glowing review from WhatsOnStage earlier this year, being described as “the theatrical definition of naughty but nice.”

Starring in the production for its London season are Emily Benjamin as Kate Monster and Lucy The Sl*t, Noah Harrison as Princeton and Rod, Meg Hateley as Mrs T and Bad Idea Bear, Oliver Jacobson as Brian, Charlie McCullagh as Nicky, Trekkie Monster and Bad Idea Bear, Amelia Kinu Muus as Christmas Eve and Dionne Ward-Anderson as Gary Coleman.

The rest of the company includes Jasmine Beel, Jonathan Carlton, Angelis Hunt, Lesley Lemon, Jessica Niles Kadi, and Joshua Williams-Ward.