Avenue Q

This show staged at Hyde Festival Theatre had the band upstairs and piped into the auditorium by speakers which worked well. The set looked great with a run down street with doors and windows above. There were no hold ups for scene changes and the lighting and sound worked brilliantly. My only comment on the direction was that some of the scenes played out on the floor were difficult to see. However the majority of the show was well directed and the cast had worked hard to be their puppet equivalents which is totally necessary in this show and requires another skill level.

The lighting plot was great as was the sound and the balance with band and cast. The cast costumes were super and those operating the puppets kept their costume styles either in black or in keeping with their puppets which worked really well. Props were great and were used well.

The score to this show is funny and lyrically brilliant and the cast delivered this with ease with clear diction and projection. The comedy was delivered in bucketloads and I never stopped laughing as every ounce of humour was delivered by this talented cast.

And so to that talented cast – I loved Blair Smith as Princeton, the naïve straight out of college (with a BA in English). With great vocals and super acting skills he gave us a lovely portrayal of one who feels a need to find his purpose in life.

Helena Francis was brilliant as Kate Monster. Her facial expressions mirrored Kate and all the women in the audience were completely on her side. Vocally Helena was faultless and her songs were stunning. Her comedy timing was super and Kate the puppet was an extension of Helena that made me cry with “There’s A Fine Fine Line” which was beautiful. 

Rod the closet gay was brilliantly played by Kit Phillips. With great vocals and super acting through Rod, Kit was hilarious and over the top and “My Girlfriend Who Lives In Canada” was one of my favourite numbers.

Joe Gallogly was fabulous as Nicky, Rods friend who ends up living with all the others and ultimately in a dumpster. Again another fabulous performance with great vocals and comic timing.

Gavin Chadwick one of the few puppetless players played Brian with enthusiasm, charm and plenty of stage presence. His relationship with Christmas Eve played beautifully by Bethany Heywood was brilliant. Bethany was fantastic and attacked the role with great comedy touches, gorgeous vocals and plenty of physical presence too. Her relationship with Brian made great comedy and Bethany’s facial expressions were fabulous.

Stephanie Mead made a great Gary Coleman with the accent off to a tee. “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude” are two of my favourite songs in this show and Stephanie did a great job on these with lovely vocals. It was great to see you back on stage Stephanie.

Trekkie Monster which is such a fun part was superbly portrayed by Alex Re whose timing was perfect. Perfect diction allowed everyone to hear the lyrics which in “The Internet is for Porn” was brilliant. Really well played and never out of character.

The Bad Idea Bears (and other parts) were played with great fun by Alison Ruck and Michael Baines who filled these roles brilliantly with great vocals and diction, Victoria Geary as Lucy the Slut completed this super cast and the fact that most women in the audience disliked this puppet proved what a great job Victoria did playing this.

This was a real fun evening with no weak links and everyone both onstage and off giving 100% to their parts. Thank you for inviting me.

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