Avenue Q is the cheeky, irreverent puppet musical where humans and muppet‑style puppets share a gritty New York block and life’s complications. The musical (first seen on Off‑Broadway and Broadway) blends sharp humour, catchy songs and puppet antics to explore what adulthood really feels like. In the 2026 London version at Shaftesbury Theatre, the original creative team, including director Jason Moore, puppet designer Rick Lyon, orchestrator Stephen Oremus, and set designer Anna Louizos, reunite to bring back the original Broadway puppets.
Set in early‑2000s New York, Avenue Q follows Princeton, a recent college graduate with big dreams and little money. He moves into a run‑down apartment block on Avenue Q and meets a motley crew of neighbours, each wrestling with adult life: love, career, purpose, identity. As Princeton and his neighbours learn what it means to grow up, they confront awkward truths, longing, friendships, starts and stumbles.
Show timings for Avenue Q may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Memorable numbers such as “It Sucks to Be Me” and “The Internet Is for Porn” return, along with other fan favourites. You can listen to the playlist here.
Opened in 1911, the Shaftesbury Theatre is the last major playhouse built in London’s Edwardian era, known for its elegant façade, grand staircase, and rich period detailing. Over the decades, it has hosted landmark productions including Hair, Hairspray, Motown the Musical and & Juliet, earning a reputation for staging energetic, genre-defining shows. Recently refurbished with modern acoustics and improved accessibility, the theater blends historic charm with contemporary comfort, making it one of the West End’s most welcoming cultural spaces.
The Shaftesbury Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, gift shop
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, guide dogs allowed, ramp, companion seating, accessible restrooms
It runs from 20 March to 29 August 2026, with evening shows Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm and matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 pm.
It’s recommended for ages 13 and above due to adult humour and mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
The revival reunites key original creatives, including director Jason Moore, puppet designer Rick Lyon, orchestrator Stephen Oremus, set designer Anna Louizos and choreographer Ebony Molina, with producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson Productions.
Yes, the revival features the original Broadway puppets to keep the characters’ look and personality true to the classic production.
It’s located at 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP. Tottenham Court Road, Holborn and Covent Garden are the nearest tube stations, and several frequent bus routes stop nearby.
Yes. The venue provides step-free access to the foyer, wheelchair spaces in the Stalls and Royal Circle, an accessible toilet, ramps and assistive listening devices. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Absolutely. Smart casual or semi-formal clothing works well, and there’s no strict dress code.
Outside food is not allowed, but you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants around the theatre for a quick bite before or after the show.
Arriving around 30 minutes before curtain is ideal, so you have time for security checks, settling into your seats and exploring the foyer.