West End Theatre review – The Shaftesbury Theatre
Avenue Q is playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 20th March 2026 to 29th August 2026.
Often described as the adult version of Sesame Street, Avenue Q (directed by Jason Moore) is back on the West End after 16 years away, and it explodes onto the stage – bringing with it a chaos and a boldness that is hysterical. I went into the Shaftesbury Theatre completely blind and unaware of the show’s legacy, and I am very glad I did!
With the cast a mix of humans and puppets, this is a truly unique show (suitably adapted for a 2026 audience) – and its special quality does not stop there. Theatre norms are considered merely an inconvenience and edgy humour takes centre stage: with outrageous songs, adult topics, and an unashamed vibrant energy.
Avenue Q follows Princeton (a recent graduate with a useless English Lit degree) as he moves to the infamously shabby ‘Avenue Q’ in New York and gets to know his eccentric neighbours: Kate Monster, Rod, Trekkie Monster, Nicky, Gary, Brian, and Christmas Eve – with an appearance from the iconic Lucy the Slut. With his new found friends, he tries to navigate a maze of adult problems like love, poverty, and racism, whilst also trying to find his ‘Purpose’ in life.
The set design by Anna Louizos brings the street Avenue Q to life and forms a 2D set that is reminiscent of those typical children’s TV shows. The different sets are also cleverly designed to allow the human puppeteers to easily manoeuvre puppets in a way that does not detract from the scenes– and it really helps with the immersion. You really feel as if you are watching an old school TV show, and this feeling is helped by the occasional use of video on screens that unfolded from the sides of the stage – which was greeted with plenty of laughs!
The highlight of the entire show of course, were the puppets (which were conceived and masterfully designed) by Rick Lyon. All of them were incredible and were so lifelike and they seemed to come alive in such a magical way that it was impossible to believe that they were being operated. The performers themselves are extraordinary – some even playing and operating two characters each! They performed the iconic soundtrack and book with such ease and joy – and I have had it all on repeat since I watched the show.
I absolutely loved this show and its laugh out loud moments, heartfelt moments, and just pure outrageous energy. I cannot recommend it highly enough and cannot wait to see it again!
And remember – THE INTERNET IS FOR… reading the rest of my reviews!
Written by Helena Featherstone
Notes From Row H 
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