Avenue Q at Shaftesbury Theatre Review
Noah Harrison (Princeton) in Avenue Q. Photo by Matt Crockett.
Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are our own
Nothing can prepare you for a night with the residents of Avenue Q, the off-the-wall characters who reside in a run-down, dilapidated and slightly more realistic version of Sesame Street—based on a narrative drawn from the thoughts, attitudes, hang-ups, and experiences of the co-creators Jeff Marx and Bobby Lopez. Avenue Q debuted in the West End two decades ago, with subsequent UK tours having taken place, and a celebratory 18th anniversary concert staged in the West End in 2024, showcasing that there was a need for this production to return to the London stage. Does this dazzling revival at the Shaftesbury Theatre for a limited time still deserve its reputation as one of the funniest musicals of all time, or is it a show that’s better left in the past?
With its brilliant script, bringing a show back to the stage 20 years later carries the risk of losing the same hilarity and failing to hit the notes so effectively nailed by the original production. The world has changed dramatically, and Avenue Q acknowledges this shift well. In this revised version, certain lines are updated to reflect the present day, with references to streaming, AI, and even inserting Trump into the song “For Now.” Avenue Q once felt far more ambitious in its engagement with contemporary culture, and this revival comes across as much safer than I had anticipated. However, despite saying this, there is no denying that this musical still has the same unique charm.
Avenue Q, for those who live under a rock, is set in a run-down New York neighbourhood and follows a group of twenty-somethings as they navigate adulthood. Although this show is known for its comedic elements, it tackles real-life issues like relationships and discovering one's place in the world in a relatable way, often delivering surprisingly heartfelt messages.
The cast of this musical is what makes it so excellent. The seven actor-puppeteers play multiple roles, seamlessly switching between characters who are so obviously poles apart. Noah Harrison is a triumph as Princeton and Rod, while Emily Benjamin shines as Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut, perfectly demonstrating her range. Charlie McCullagh also comes into his own as Trekkie Monster, whose performance of “The Internet Is For Porn” is an instant show-stealing moment. McCullagh’s turn alongside Meg Hateley as the Bad Idea Bears has been so carefully curated by the pair.
The “humans” of the show, played by Amelia Kinu Muus (Christmas Eve), Olivier Jacobson (Brian) and Dionne Ward-Anderson (Gary), bring a grounded and relatable energy needed for otherwise quite a chaotic flow to the piece.
Aesthetically, Anna Louizos’s set design really amps up the fun of this piece. The iconic neighbourhood has returned to the stage, and the screens inject a childlike essence into the overall feel of this piece.
Overall, in such challenging times, Avenue Q is the perfect dose of escapism. It’s full of energy, laugh-out-loud moments, and hasn’t lost an ounce of its iconic chaos along the way.
Avenue Q plays at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 29 August 2026.
★★★★★
