Avenue Q
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 21st May 2013
Avenue Q ran for nearly five years in the West End and has since enjoyed several UK tours. Ovation's production of Avenue Q at Upstairs at the Gatehouse marks the UK fringe premiere of the show. Avenue Q works well in a more intimate space, after all this takes the show back to its roots as it was originally produced Off-Broadway in 2003.
Although familiar with the music, this was my first time seeing a production of Avenue Q so I arrived at the theatre with a fresh pair of eyes. Avenue Q follows a group of neighbours who are facing the issues and anxieties associated with entering adulthood. As the show progresses the characters begin to discover who they are and what their purpose in life is.
Suzi Lombardelli's design is one of the most impressive I have seen in a fringe theatre, in fact for the duration of the performance I forgot that I was in a fringe theatre and felt as if I was watching something on a much larger scale. The puppets (designed by Paul Jomain) are also quite spectacular, I didn't realise just how many there were going to be!
Will Jennings' gives a stand out performance as Princeton / Rod, demonstrating great versatility and perfect comic timing. The crucial ingredient of Avenue Q is that the actors are able to become their puppet(s) which is something Will has truly mastered.
Leigh Lothian also shows versatility as Kate / Lucy, the two roles could not be more different and there are many scenes which feature the two characters talking directly to each other but Leigh effortlessly switches between the two roles. She also has a lovely voice and performs a good rendition of my favourite song in the show 'There's a Fine, Fine Line'.
When the show originally opened in America the role of Gary Coleman was played by a female actress. However, when the show first transferred to London a few changes were made for British audiences, one of these changes was that Gary Coleman was played by a male actor. Interestingly, for this production the producers have taken the show back to its roots and cast Cassandra Lee as Gary Coleman. Although she puts her all into every scene I wasn't won over by her performance. Cassandra's lower vocal register doesn't seem to be strong enough to sing some of the songs and, despite Avenue Q being a hugely over-exaggerated show, Cassandra's larger than life portrayal can be too much at times and becomes a little irritating.
When the show originally opened in America the role of Gary Coleman was played by a female actress. However, when the show first transferred to London a few changes were made for British audiences, one of these changes was that Gary Coleman was played by a male actor. Interestingly, for this production the producers have taken the show back to its roots and cast Cassandra Lee as Gary Coleman. Although she puts her all into every scene I wasn't won over by her performance. Cassandra's lower vocal register doesn't seem to be strong enough to sing some of the songs and, despite Avenue Q being a hugely over-exaggerated show, Cassandra's larger than life portrayal can be too much at times and becomes a little irritating.
A stand out performance also comes from ensemble member Katie Bradley who frantically runs on and off stage playing a number of weird and wonderful characters - she does an outstanding job. While Shin-Fei Chen provides many comical moments as Christmas Eve she seems to struggle vocally at times.
Avenue Q is outrageously funny from beginning to end. However, if you are easily offended this is not the show for you. One bedroom scene in particular raises a few eyebrows - I didn't know it was possible for puppets to do such things!
If you haven't yet seen a production of Avenue Q you must see this one. The score is mostly punchy and memorable, the songs 'If You Were Gay', 'Everyone's a Little Bit Racist' and 'There is Life Outside Your Apartment' are three of the funniest songs ever written. 'I Wish I Could Go Back to College' and 'For Now' stand out as two of my favourite songs in musical theatre. The story isn't exactly groundbreaking but is mostly engaging and at times relatable, everybody knows a 'Rod' or a 'Lucy'. Avenue Q provides a hilarious night out at the theatre!
If you haven't yet seen a production of Avenue Q you must see this one. The score is mostly punchy and memorable, the songs 'If You Were Gay', 'Everyone's a Little Bit Racist' and 'There is Life Outside Your Apartment' are three of the funniest songs ever written. 'I Wish I Could Go Back to College' and 'For Now' stand out as two of my favourite songs in musical theatre. The story isn't exactly groundbreaking but is mostly engaging and at times relatable, everybody knows a 'Rod' or a 'Lucy'. Avenue Q provides a hilarious night out at the theatre!
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins
Avenue Q runs at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 30th June 2013.
Please visit www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com for further information and tickets.
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