Avenue Q - Shaftesbury Theatre

Twenty years after its West End debut, Avenue Q is back for an anniversary celebration at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Over the years, the show has received widespread acclaim, its name spoken with near-universal reverence among musical theatre devotees. Suffice it to say that expectations were high for this reviewer - and they were not disappointed.

The story follows Princeton (played by Noah Harrison) - a fresh university graduate with a BA in English - as he moves to Avenue Q in search of a "purpose." He meets Kate Monster (Emily Benjamin) and the other inhabitants of the New York neighbourhood, and soon discovers that adult life is considerably harder than he had ever anticipated. It is worth noting that Princeton, like the majority of the characters in this production, is a puppet. The cast move fluidly between characters, wowing audiences with their remarkable synchronicity and seemingly effortless ability to switch voices on a dime. The performers’ connection with their puppets were in fact so seamless that, on more than one occasion, the mechanics of the illusion simply ceased to exist - the puppets breathed, reacted, and felt entirely alive. It is a testament to the cast's skill that the audience finds itself emotionally invested in a felt creature, forgetting entirely that there is a human being standing mere inches away, in plain sight, bringing it to life.

Matt Crockett

This is precisely where the show's genius comes into focus. When Avenue Q was first introduced to this reviewer, it was described as an "adult Sesame Street" - and to be fair, that is a reasonably accurate starting point. However, "adult" does not even begin to cover what actually unfolds on that stage. Set to fun, cartoon-bright tunes, the lyrics tell a whole other story; take, for example, the moment when the grumpy monster of Avenue Q cheerfully instructs the audience that "the internet is for p*rn." The entire production carries the energy of a 2000s sitcom: light-hearted, irreverent, and gleefully self-aware. Avenue Q is a masterclass in a show that refuses to take itself too seriously, and is all the better for it.

Much of the material draws on racial stereotypes and gleeful political incorrectness, which this reviewer found genuinely, if unexpectedly, compelling. Having only encountered the show for the first time last night, with no previous production to compare it to, the jokes felt surprisingly fresh and relevant. Whether that is the result of updates made for this anniversary run, or simply a testament to how malleable the material is, remains an intriguing question. Either way, despite its sharp political undercurrents, the show never loses its lightness and heart.

Matt Crockett

The overall design of the show needs to be commanded. The entire production is pulled together with an elaborate set, that included everything from apartment buildings with tiny doll-house like rooms, to screens that are occasionally used to project educational videos. The set, designed by Anna Louizos, is a triumph of wit and imagination. Three towering apartment buildings anchor the production firmly in its Sesame Street aesthetic, while giant puppets, a cabaret and a gleaming Empire State Building add the finishing touches to a design that is as charming as it is clever. The overall effect is one of joyful coherence, every element feels considered, working in service of the show's world rather than simply decorating it.

As a first experience of the show, this reviewer completely understands why and even how this show has endured as long as it has. It is funny, witty, and unexpectedly charming whilst being incredibly memorable. Speaking with fellow audience members who have seen previous productions, this revival seems to set the bar for revivals - retaining its original charm whilst breathing seemingly new life into its material.

Production Value: 90%

Value for Money: 80%

Personal Enjoyment: 90%

Overall Score: 87% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre, London

Playing until: 29th August 2026

Run Time: 2h 20min - including a 20-minute interval

Tickets for this venue can be booked at the link here.