I’ve witnessed plenty of jaw-dropping action at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Nazi storm troupers blocking the exit doors (The Sound Of Music.) Sexy chess players in tight leather trousers (Chess – The Musical). Everything, barring hardcore sex. Now I’ve even seen that, thanks to Avenue Q, a witty, wise and wonderful musical. The rumpy-pumpy isn’t between humans, I should add, but consenting puppets.
Princeton (Adam Pettigrew) is a fresh-faced college graduate newly settled in Avenue Q, a run-down (fictional) burgh of New York City.
He meets Kate, though his head is also turned by a vamp called Lucy the Slut. Will Princeton and Kate find love? They certainly enjoy great sex.
This is a musical with no fear of touchy subjects. Racism. Internet porn. Gay relationships. Celebrity culture. Even without the topical titillation, it’s a fine show. Sing-along tunes. Clever and funny lyrics. A cast as good as any to have graced the Hippodrome stage.
Until Saturday
Rating * * * * *
