Find out how London critics have been reacting to the return of this adult puppet musical.
Broadway World: **** “At a time when it seems like we are constantly told what not to say, Avenue Q still revels in speaking the lines that you may well be thinking. Rude, crude and totally unsuitable for children; it’s great to have it back.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** “Decades on, Avenue Q remains a delight, the theatrical definition of naughty but nice. Outrageous, smart and kind, it’s lovely to have it back.”
The Guardian: **** “The production trades off its sweet/subversive/manic charms and the story itself is not especially strong. But who cares? It brings such sunny puppet-bound escapism while never quite leaving our world and the mess that human beings have created in it. The show ends on a hopeful note with heavy helpings of “this too will pass” spirit. It is all only for now, the puppets tell us – even Trump.”
London Theatre.co.uk: “In a world full of doom and gloom, Avenue Q is a furry tonic shot. Yes, things are bad, it tells us. But all of it is only “for now”. And, if a puppet telling you that doesn’t make you smile, who knows what will?”
Everything Theatre: ***** “It’s weird, chaotic and completely its own thing, yet at the musical’s core, it’s as relatable and relevant as ever. With a cast that feels totally in sync, the audience laughs non-stop, carried on a journey through a world that’s the perfect balance of brutal truths with whimsy, joy and brightness. It mirrors the constant up-and-down of adulthood, where everything feels overwhelming one minute and hopeful the next – all underpinned by the lasting reminder that everything is, in the end, just “For Now”.”
Theatre Weekly: ***** “Visually, this production feels more polished than ever. Anna Louizos’ set design elevates the Avenue Q streetscape without losing its scruffy charm, expanding impressively for the Act Two opener as the residents head into the city proper. It is an environment that feels lived-in and theatrical without becoming cluttered, allowing the performances to remain central.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “With its brilliant script, bringing a show back to the stage 20 years later carries the risk of losing the same hilarity and failing to hit the notes so effectively nailed by the original production. The world has changed dramatically, and Avenue Q acknowledges this shift well. In this revised version, certain lines are updated to reflect the present day, with references to streaming, AI, and even inserting Trump into the song “For Now.” Avenue Q once felt far more ambitious in its engagement with contemporary culture, and this revival comes across as much safer than I had anticipated. However, despite saying this, there is no denying that this musical still has the same unique charm.”
The Reviews Hub: **** 1/2 “Rick Lyon’s puppets are adorable, easy to identify each character, and are excellently handled by the cast. Each puppet has a distinctive personality and individual mannerisms that are showcased with fantastic skill by Harrison, Benjamin, McCullagh and Hateley. The facial expressions and movements are performed in unison with their puppets, often switching between characters mid-scene. Their larger-than-life commitment to the performances maximises all of the humour, heartfelt moments and playful fun, making the cast just as enjoyable to watch as the puppets themselves.”
Time Out: *** “The script has been given a cosmetic overhaul and now has references to Trump, AI, etc. It’s all pretty skin deep, though. Again: Avenue Q today is not the punky outsider it was almost a quarter century ago. But as a heritage musical, it remains a delightful one-off.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “Jason Moore’s direction is slick and sensational throughout, reuniting the original director with the show and making it easy to see why he was nominated for a Tony Award for his work. You could argue this production is a well-oiled machine, repeating what has worked before, but it never quite rests on its laurels, not being afraid to mix it up a bit and evoking a sense of chaos.”
Theatre Vibe: “Avenue Q is a clever, funny, and occasionally provocative musical. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those willing to embrace its unique blend of nostalgia and adult humour, it is well worth seeing.”
The Independent: ** “A slick, well-performed production struggles to find relevance in a new revival at the Shaftesbury Theatre.”
(c)Matt Crockett
First Night Magazine: ***** “There’s a fine, fine line between a passing hit show and an everlasting classic. There’s no question about where Avenue Q and its overall superb revival. You will laugh. You will reflect. You get its songs stuck in your head to the point of mental collapse.”
Londonist: ***** “In a time when our senses have been blunted to shock, Avenue Q is a warm, fuzzy hug. Even those rapscallion Bad Idea Bears get their happy ending — not, mind you, that they deserve it.”
Musical Theatre Review: ***** “Beneath the vulgarity, Avenue Q is a feel-good coming-of-age tale. It’s about finding yourself after two decades of safety in the educational system, and searching for purpose in a confusing and chaotic world. You’ll find talk in the programme of the depth of heart in this musical; that it’s so much more than a “dirty puppet show”. Although when it comes down to it, a dirty musical about puppets is exactly what Avenue Q is, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
The Stage: **** “Cheeky puppets still amuse in this sparkling revival.”
London Theatre Reviews: **** “If you want a night out that is both hilarious and surprisingly moving, this limited season is well worth a visit.”
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