There is always a great deal of anticipation when the touring production of a popular, award-winning musical comes to town, and Sell A Door Theatre Company’s Avenue Q, which opened at Theatre Severn this week, does not disappoint at all.
For those unfamiliar with the musical, Avenue Q looks at the realities young adults face in everyday life, juxtaposing Sesame Street style puppets with decidedly adult themes including racism, sexuality, drinking and unemployment. Cute and colourful puppets notwithstanding, this show is definitely not family friendly.
Characters include hopeful graduate Princeton, kindergarten teacher Kate Monster, Rod and Nicky, the show’s answer to Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie, and Trekkie Monster, a perverted parody of the Cookie Monster.
The entire cast is faultless, boasting impressive vocal performances and superb comedic talent. The puppeteering skills demonstrated are also worthy of mention, as the cast bring them to life in every sense, whilst taking on multiple roles and providing the voices to several puppets.
Richard Lowe gives a performance both hilarious and touching in the dual role of Princeton and Rod, whilst Sarah Harlington is charming and heartfelt as the adorable Kate Monster. Stephen Arden is also fantastic playing Nicky and Trekkie Monster, with voices that bear a remarkable similarity to those of the Sesame Street characters they are inspired by.
In terms of music, the numbers were infectiously joyous; even when the characters are singing about the mundanity and woes of modern life, the performances are so lively and enthusiastic you cannot help but smile and feel uplifted. Highlights include “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet Is for Porn”, both of which were hilarious. “You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want” was also hysterical and had the audience roaring with somewhat shocked laughter. The slower “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” was moving and gave Harlington a chance to show off her vocal prowess.
This production exceeds all expectations and gives the audience a great opportunity to enjoy a modern Broadway musical, here in Shrewsbury. Avenue Q is witty, clever, entertaining and simply unmissable. Fortunately, the show is here to stay until Saturday, so there is still a chance to get tickets, something I can’t recommend highly enough.
https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/avenue-q/
Review by: Jenna Feasey
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