Avenue Q
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Assembly Hall
Reviewed on Saturday 10th August 2013
Avenue Q ran for nearly five years in the West End and has since enjoyed several UK tours as well as a London Fringe premiere. I recently saw the show at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in London so already knew that Avenue Q works well in a more intimate setting, after all the musical was originally produced Off-Broadway in 2003. 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 is in life.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland's production is simply outstanding. They give the show a fresh feel as certain details have been adapted. The cast is larger (no doubling up of characters) and the harmonies sound incredible, in fact I wish the show could feature more ensemble numbers as when all the cast perform together they both look and sound incredible.
As I have seen the show before and know the music well the 'shock factor' has worn off. However, it was hilarious to watch the faces of people of who clearly weren't familiar with the show, especially during the musical numbers 'Everyone's a Little Bit Racist' and 'The Internet Is for Porn'. Almost every song is catchy and extremely witty although not for those who are easily offended.
Conor Scully brings a new vocal edge to Princeton and his performance cannot be faulted, he clearly has an exciting future ahead of him. In the original US production Gary Coleman was played by a woman, but when adapted for British audiences a man played the part. At the Gatehouse the part was played by a girl which just didn't work so when I heard the part was being played by a girl in this production I was a little sceptical. However, Taye Lily plays Gary Coleman the way he should be played, she has enormous stage presence at had me in stitches on many occasions. Ruth Cobbin was also good as Kate Monster, although her microphone was frustratingly loud meaning she often drowned out other cast members and the live band (who were superb).
If you want to laugh until you cry, look no further than this brilliant production of Avenue Q.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
You can see Avenue Q daily at Assembly Hall at 12.00 until 26th August 2013.
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