Review: AVENUE Q, Old Joint Stock Theatre - Birmingham

If there’s a show that will get you out of the black hole that Covid-19 has created, it’s Avenue Q! Currently playing at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham, the Tony award-winning musical has been eagerly anticipated in the city and despite a bumpy rehearsal process due to cast self-isolating, the end product is more than worth the hardship.

Dubbed as “Sesame Street for adults”, anyone familiar with the production knows that this show isn’t for the easily offended! It tells the story of a recent college graduate, Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy The Slut and other colourful types who help Princeton finally discover his true purpose in life! It really is a laugh out loud comedy and I forbid you not to have a good time!

With seating on three sides and the exterior of the apartment block dominating the upstage area, director Adam Lacey (along with choreographer Pippa Lacey) have ensured that the blocking caters for all audience positions where possible. Whilst sometimes feeling a little cramped when the full 10-strong cast is on stage, the cast do extremely well to navigate the playing space. The piece does move along at speed with song after song at times but occasionally this pace means that punchlines within the dialogue are skirted over, not allowing the audience time to respond to these incredibly witty moments.

The lighting by Theatre SSL is busy but fits the action perfectly. There are some lovely touches such as rope light lining the windows and great use of the mirror ball, particularly during ‘Fantasies Come True.’ Theatre SSL also manage the sound, which is crystal clear throughout.

The musical direction is in the expert hands of Jack Hopkins, leading a six-piece band from another location in the building, with the sound clearly fed through to the auditorium. Time has clearly been put into the vocal arrangements, meaning flawless harmonies throughout, delivered with ease by the sensationally talented cast.

The casting of this ensemble piece is near perfect, with each performer having their time to shine across the two-hour production. Rebecca Withers and Bradley Walwyn are the overwhelming stars of the show, starring as Kate/Lucy the Slut and Nicky/Trekkie respectively. Withers is a sensational Kate but absolutely brings the house down during ‘Special’. Vocals, characterisation, physicality – every element, perfection. Likewise, Walwyn does an exceptional job with the physically demanding elements of his roles. Having a second person to work so closely with adds another level of difficulty but alongside Tabitha Rose, they work seamlessly together as one cohesive unit. The stress on his vocals is also something that needs to be managed across the run but based on Walwyn’s versality, he will have this covered.

Whilst every performer should be commended on a superb show, other notable performances come from Hannah Victoria as Gary Coleman with added swagger, Thomas Cove as Brian (who rides out a technical difficulty with flair!) and Ben Hutt’s Rod is well pitched against his Princeton.

An absolute must-see in Birmingham this summer.

****’ Four and a half stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Avenue Q plays at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham until 21 August 2021. To book tickets, please click here.