Hull Truck Theatre – until 16th May 2026
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
I have seen many amateur productions across Hull and the East Riding, and they are always full of talent. Last night’s performance at Hull Truck Theatre was no exception.
Tech It Serious Productions made an outstanding debut with Avenue Q. If I could have awarded more than the maximum five stars, I gladly would have done.
As soon as you arrive at the theatre and are greeted by a sign warning of “puppet nudity”, you know this is not going to be an ordinary show. It is very much a show aimed at adults!
Avenue Q tells the story of a rundown street in New York and its diverse residents. The blend of human actors and puppets is brilliantly handled, and both are so expressive on stage that it is hard to know where to look.
Princeton (Alex Dickenson) moves into the only flat he can afford after graduating from college. There, he falls for Kate Monster (Rachel Waters), but the pair soon discover that relationships are not always easy to navigate.
Nicky (Andrew Siddle-Vale) and Rod (Luke Gillingham) live together as roommates. Rod remains deeply in the closet and does not realise that everyone already knows he is gay.
Trekkie Monster (Phil Wilson) is an internet porn addict who rarely likes to leave home.
Lucy T. Slut (Violet Glenton) is a bar singer who sets her sights on Princeton, much to Kate Monster’s disgust.
Among the human characters are Brian (Russell Fallon), an unemployed comedian, his Japanese fiancée, Christmas Eve (Pinky C Ko) and Gary Coleman (Jade Easom-Samuels).
The ensemble of Sarah-Lucy Penny, Shawnee Siddle-Vale, and Joe Spence play a variety of characters superbly.
The entire cast is fabulous, with impeccable timing and delivery throughout. Under musical director Jessica Viner, the band performs the score beautifully.
I am already looking forward to seeing what this company does next. It is certainly one to watch.