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Theatre Review: Avenue Q (UK Tour) - New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Avenue Q (UK Tour)

New Wimbledon Theatre

Review by Caroline Cronin

6th February 2019: Avenue Q returns to Wimbledon Theatre for another year, proving yet again, why it is a firm fan favourite, and failsafe classic.

Since its inception and world premiere in New York back in 2003, Avenue Q has inexplicably remained timeless. The Gary Coleman joke aside (which is becoming less recognisable as the years pass), this show tackles themes like love, sex, and money with a voracious energy that is unapologetic in its coarseness.

As always, the cast of puppeteer-actors are impressively accomplished, and it’s a treat to see Tom Steedon in the role of Trekkie Monster/Nicky/Bad Idea Bear after witnessing his stint in 2014 as Princeton/Rod. This is testament to the versatility of a cast of this calibre, and Cecily Redman as Kate Monster/Lucy The Slut is particularly impressive.

Sitting in the Dress Circle, the Orchestra felt too overpowering at times, so some tweaking is needed to ensure the lyrics aren’t lost. If you’re a seasoned Avenue Q-er it makes little difference, but to a first-timer some key comedic elements would be lost when the vocals are drowned out.

Ultimately, this is a show that, with a few tweaks, will never age. In the political climate we’re in right now, a few shameless porn jokes are the antidote we need, and there are certainly belly-laughs aplenty here. Maybe we should all harness our inner-Trekkie and live life a little more boldly?

Four stars ✭✭✭✭

Avenue Q is touring until Summer 2019
For more info and tour dates please visit http://avenuequk.com/home

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