Avenue Q at the New Theatre Cardiff Review
Avenue Q
New Theatre, Cardiff
25-30 January 2016
Reviewed by Lee-Anne McCarthy
When I was asked to review Avenue Q I did wonder what I’d let myself in for. I’d heard many a story as to what this show was about before finally seeing it for myself. Descriptions like ‘a naughty Sesame Street’ and ‘the Muppets for grown ups’ left me intrigued and interested in what would be on offer. I was expecting a blue and very un-PC theatrical performance and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
With the use of the very Jim Henson like puppets you could be forgiven for thinking this was a kid’s show but with the programme line’ not for little monsters’ it was clear this was going to be fun adult performance. The performers in the main are puppeteers and puppets. I initially wondered if as a woman in her 30’s I’d really find a puppet show something I’d really engage in. But the puppeteers really bought these characters to life. It really felt like the puppets were these characters and I became really invested in them all. Would they get their happy ending? The set was a simple scene of the apartment blocks of Avenue Q. Each puppet had their very own visible apartment and we got to be a part of each of their environments.
Avenue Q tells the story of Princeton who moves to a new area and embarks on the quest to find his true purpose. At his new apartment block he makes some fantastic friends Katy Monster and Christmas Eve to name just a few. Each of these characters brought with them their own quirks and stories. The stories touched on many subjects; racism, sex, porn and homosexuality. The writers managed to take these incredibly sensitive and often difficult issues and give them a humorous twist. With the addition of fantastic songs like ‘The Internet is made for porn’ and ‘Everyone’s a little bit racist’ this story is both hilarious and heart-warming all at the same time.
The fantastic slap stick tongue in cheek humour of Avenue Q had me giggling so much I left the theatre with a tummy ache. If you are a fan of adult humour and not easily offended this is the show for you. We give Avenue Q fabulous 4 out of 5.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £12 to £34 (booking fees may apply).
Avenue Q is at the New Theatre in Cardiff until 30 January 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2087 8889.
New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN | 029 2087 8889
