A warm fuzzy feeling is on its way for Eastbourne as Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q brings a whole host of felt friends to the Congress Theatre from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th July.
Featuring the naughtiest puppets in town, brought hilariously to life by an ensemble cast of 11 performers, Avenue Q is a heart-felt tongue-in-cheek musical about growing up, dreaming big, and finding your purpose in life.
Meet Princeton, a bright-eyed graduate who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Soon discovering that the only neighbourhood in his price range is Avenue Q, he finds himself moving in with some truly quirky characters.
Princeton said: “Avenue Q is a pretty downbeat street in a very crummy part of New York, so we’re all super excited to be escaping that rat-infested hellhole and sampling the delights of England! Being on tour, it’s really fun to see all the amazing things England has to offer. Countryside, sheep, fish and chips, tea, rail replacement bus services… and now we’re about to arrive in glorious Eastbourne! We can’t wait to check out the sunshine coast and take a walk up to Beachy Head. Here’s hoping we don’t get caught in any gusty winds.”
Another star of Avenue Q is Investment Banker and staunch Republican, Rod, who leads a very “closeted” life in a small flat on the Avenue, which he shares with his friend Nicky. As they prepare to take up temporary residence in Eastbourne, I have been able to ask Rod a few questions…
How does a Wall Street Investment Banker end up living on Avenue Q?
Well, I first moved into Avenue Q when I was a student, and have stayed ever since. The rent is so cheap that I can save up to one day buy in the dreamland, Manhattan! Avenue Q is a pretty downbeat street in a very crummy part of New York, but it’s a fun place to live and there’s never a dull moment.
It’s great that you share a flat with Nicky as you seem to have a very special relationship. How special is that relationship?
Our – ahem – “friendship” is very special! We get along so well, as buddies! He’s really fun to be with… as a flatmate! Next question!
You are extremely well-groomed and obsessively clean, but why do you find it necessary to iron your underwear?
A professional and polished image starts from within, I say. If I feel smart, even down to my underwear, I will project confidence! I read it in one of my self-help books, ‘Underpants; the key to your success’.
In the show you sing Fantasies Come True. What would be your ultimate fantasy?
My ultimate fantasy would be to attend a concert where Judy Garland, Lisa Minnelli, Barbara Streisand and Bernadette Peters all came together to sing the greatest Broadway songs. Oh wouldn’t that just be divine?! … did I say that out loud or did I just think it?
Do you think you will ever find true love?
Oh I hope so. I’ve been seeing a therapist, my neighbour Christmas Eve, about this very issue. She’s very good, so who knows, I’ll let you know!
And finally, as a Republican in a very important year for American politics, how do you feel about sexist, racist, homophobic Donald Trump?
I’m reminded of a phrase my mother always lived by; never trust a man in a toupee. And that is the mothership of all toupees. So maybe 2016 is the year I become a Democrat! Oh, I’m such a rebel!
Avenue Q comes to the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th July, with nightly performances at 7.30pm, a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday and two shows, at 5.30pm and 8.30pm, on Friday. Tickets are priced from £17.50 and can be booked by calling the box office on 01323 412000 or online www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk. Ages 14+.