Avenue Q

 Avenue Q requires particular skills from the actors. They must act with their usual ability, plus ensuring that the puppet they are shadowing is responding exactly to the words they speak and therefore hope the audience becomes more aware of the puppet (who is the character) and less aware of the actor behind it.     If you don’t get it just right, then it just does not work!, It is also a bold show to perform, as it is an acquired taste and as it says on the tin “Parental Advisory. Explicit Content”

Having said all that, Exmouth Musical Theatre Company pulled it off with flying colours!

 The actors were convincing, controlling and speaking for the puppets with skill. The American accents were great, and the different characters really well portrayed in the movement and reactions of the puppets. It was also very funny So, congratulations to all concerned  

Princeton and Kate Monster were well matched complete with super singing voices. Their sex scene was something to behold!!!

Gary Coleman had the moves and a great portrayal. 

Nicky was beautifully played, When the character was not actually speaking, his actor did not move a muscle and froze except for the movements and reactions of the puppet. When sleeping in bed, his actor placed his head on the pillow too. Great touch!

Trekkie was great, complete with a gruff voice that made his character so splendid.

Rod came over well, loved it! as did Christmas Eve! Good pairing with good clear speaking voices

Brian, this actor never disappoints and as the only human without a puppet was unconstrained and made the most of it. Excellent performance

Both Bad Idea Bears were well performed; deceptively pretty bears, wheedling and tempting so insidiously with sly, movements and voices and even knowing expressions(how did they do that?) A perfect example of bringing the puppets to life.

Lucy the Slut, what can I say! She had it all, the looks   singing voice & the moves! The tossing of the hair, the movement about the stage, really bringing the character to its full potential. The puppet and the actor   just blended into one a great performance.

Ricky, Newcomer, and Mrs Thistletwat plus the company made this a team event, all working together and interdependent.

The set worked well, if slightly flat, maybe a little variety in levels and frontage could have added to the impression of old New York. The bay window turning around to reveal the lounge etc with the other side to match was a very good use of the space along with good lighting and a super sound from the Band.

 In some scenes, there seemed to be too many straight lines and not enough groupings, but it didn’t detract from the overall show which the, sadly sparse, audience thoroughly enjoyed. A bigger audience would have added to the atmosphere, but those who were privileged to see this production enjoyed it immensely and rightly so!

Thank you Exmouth Musical Theatre Company for a wonderful evening of talent, skill, laughter, and fun 

A super job done by Director David Finlay. and his back and front stage crew, plus the Musical Directors Mark and Nicky Perry.

Graham Liverton 

Regional Councillor NODA Southwest  

 

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