After an eight-year run in the West End, as well as being a massive hit on Broadway, Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx’s hit musical is back in London. The ‘adult’ puppet show that philosophises about life is as entertaining as ever, and its revival is a welcome one.
Fans love the story of the inhabitants of the eponymous New York street, its nods to children’s TV and wry cynicism. Director Jason Moore has given those who remember the piece what they want – a faithful recreation full of energy and excitement.
The assembled cast are strong, with Emily Benjamin leading the way as the main female vocalist, supported by Noah Harrison and Charlie McCullagh. All impress in multiple roles, although Harrison’s accents are at times confusing. Benjamin benefits from the biggest contrast in her characters; any restraint expressed when playing Kate Monster is unleashed with her fantastic Lucy the Slut. There’s also a fine performance from Amelia Kinu Muus, whose big song, The More You Ruv Someone, is a highlight.
Avenue Q was always more than a joke about puppets swearing and having sex. Although that’s a good gag. It’s sharp and cynical, even if time, and this production, have softened the edges a little. Jeff Whitty’s excellent book feels fresh enough. You might expect a show with such satirical origins to have been updated more. Explaining what a mixtape is to a younger audience is sweet (and probably unnecessary), but the nostalgic air that surrounds the production might have led to a missed opportunity.
In fairness, nostalgia has always been a part of Avenue Q. The characters look back at their college days a lot, and the least satisfactory character, Gary, is a former child actor. Props to Dionne Ward-Anderson, who takes the role and has a lot of fun. But the part is the weakest joke in the show and the one that needs updating the most.
In the end, it comes down to the score, and Lopez and Marx cannot fail to impress. The deceptively simple numbers are stripped back and demand to be remembered. There are so many good songs that they compete to be the one you remember afterwards, and a hit number about schadenfreude deserves to be heard again and again.
Until 2 January 2027
Photo by Matt Crockett