Avenue Q

A show where puppets are involved can be a challenge, Rugby Theatre Society took this challenge on and mastered it!

With the task of bringing the puppets to life while the puppeteers are in full view, as well as the usual ones of learning the songs and moves, the cast had their work cut out. Having seen the professional production and now this one, I would be hard pressed to spot the difference. Every element was slick and polished.

There were some quick puppet changes and complex voicing one puppet while holding another (basically having a conversation with themselves) which the actors took in their stride. To make the puppets express themselves as a real person is a skill that everyone had mastered along with the voices. Tim Sell voiced both Nicky and Trekkie monster wonderfully, while Sophie Jones managed the contrast of Katie monster and Lucy with aplomb. Not every cast member had a puppet, the three “human” characters were played with equal style with Emile Ruddock carrying out the Gary Coleman role with a smile and Stephanie Lovegrove playing the oriental Christmas Eve with passion.

The impressive set (built by the society) was detailed and held hidden secrets revealed as the show went on.

A very professional, polished and enjoyable production.

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