Avenue Q review: These hilariously filthy puppets have a lot of heart

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Puppets are making a comeback! We’ve seen this with the upcoming return of The Muppets Show on Disney Plus and even with Elmo gaining over 700,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter).

As a huge fan, I’m so excited to see Avenue Q back on stage in the West End! It totally makes sense – this musical comedy, with its hilariously naughty puppets, is exactly what everyone needs right now. It’s a funny, heartwarming show about life’s struggles, and I can’t wait to see it again!

The show centers around characters made of felt who surprisingly mirror human experiences. Princeton is searching for meaning in his life, Kate Monster longs for a relationship, Rod is exploring his identity, and Trekkie Monster has a passion for adult entertainment and actively uses OnlyFans.

Okay, so that last example I gave? Totally not something you’d expect in a traditional puppet show, and you’d be right to think that! Avenue Q is seriously different. It throws all the usual puppet show rules out the window. I mean, it’s got swearing, jokes about really tough stuff like suicide, and… well, let’s just say the puppets get very intimate. But that’s what makes it hilarious! The funniest parts come from how unexpectedly funny it is to see these adorable puppets dealing with such raw, real, and often messed-up things about life.

This script is incredibly funny, filled with laugh-out-loud moments. The musical numbers, with playfully provocative titles like “The Internet is For Porn” and “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” create a surprising and amusing contrast – they tackle sensitive subjects with upbeat, almost childlike, musical scores.

Jeff Whitty’s book is brilliantly funny, using just the right amount of strong language and adult content. It’s impactful because these elements aren’t overused, keeping the humor fresh and the surprises effective.

The show originally aired in 2003 and quickly gained a dedicated fanbase thanks to its daring and forward-thinking comedy. While it was groundbreaking at the time, some of the humor hasn’t aged as well after nearly 23 years.

The issue isn’t so much about what young people find offensive, but rather what they find amusing. For instance, the character Christmas Eve is often made fun of because of her strong English accent. While some viewers might see this as offensive, many simply don’t find it funny because encountering people with accents is a common, everyday experience.

Honestly, the way they handled Nicky ending up homeless really bothered me. Turning his struggle for money into a joke just felt…off. Maybe it’s offensive, but more than that, it felt like a really tired, predictable trope. It just didn’t land with me at all.

While generally hilarious and featuring memorable songs, a few jokes feel dated, preventing this show from reaching its full potential. It offers a surprisingly clever look at modern city life, but to truly connect with younger audiences, the creators might need to trim some of their favorite material.

The performers’ talent was absolutely perfect and couldn’t be better. Unlike typical puppet shows such as The Muppets or Sesame Street, Avenue Q intentionally shows the puppeteers working, making the experience unique.

This really highlights how amazing the performance is. The actors effortlessly move between playing characters themselves and manipulating puppets, skillfully using both their own bodies and the puppets to bring the story to life.

Emily Benjamin is a remarkably talented singer, especially when performing as actors who need to create very different voices for multiple characters. For example, her performance of Kate Monster’s emotional ballad, “There’s a Fine, Fine Line,” features Kate’s distinctive high-pitched voice, which is a stark contrast to the deep, sultry tones she uses for Lucy the Slut—and she handles both with ease.

Noah Harrison’s characters, Princeton and Rod, were also highlights, as were Charlie McCullagh’s Nicky, Trekkie Monster, and Bad Idea Bear. However, it was Amelia Kinu Muus as the bold and outgoing Christmas Eve who truly stood out.

The show’s fantastic set, designed by Anna Louizos, adds a lot to the experience. It’s filled with details that longtime fans will recognize and enjoy, plus some fresh, new elements.

With the rising cost of living and increasing division in society, now seems like an ideal moment to bring back Avenue Q. The show tackles serious, everyday issues, but using puppets creates a lighthearted distance that lets us find humor in them.

Beyond the humor, Avenue Q provides a thoughtful and realistic look at life. It acknowledges that dreams don’t always come true, relationships can be uncertain, and finding your place in the world isn’t always easy. Ultimately, the show reminds us that we all crave connection and a good laugh – and you’ll find plenty of both in Avenue Q.

Stay up-to-date with the latest UK theatre happenings! Read our review of the new Romeo and Juliet featuring Sadie Sink, and find out how to get tickets for the Les Misérables Arena Spectacular, with performances by Michael Ball and Alfie Boe.

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Where and when can I watch the West End revival of Avenue Q?

Avenue Q is currently playing at Shaftesbury Theatre, right by Tottenham Court Road station.

It will be running until 29 August 2026.

How to get Avenue Q tickets

Tickets are still available, and we highly recommend getting them soon to secure great seats. You won’t want to miss seeing the amazing puppets and skillful puppeteers up close!

Authors

Joanna Magill

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2026-04-17 08:49