Duration
2 hrs 15 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until January 3, 2027
Age limit
Suitable for 12+ yrs
Why Watch Avenue Q?
- Avenue Q returns to London with the same sharp wit that made it a breakout Broadway hit and a defining adult comedy musical of the 2000s.
- Its themes still land today. The show pokes fun at modern adulthood, work, money, dating, identity, and online chaos, making it hilariously relatable whether you are 22 or 42.
- The London company features performers known for strong comic timing, including Lawrence Smith and Cecily Redman, who bring fresh energy to Princeton, Kate Monster, and the rest of the block.
- The revival reunites original creatives, led by director Jason Moore, with designs by Rick Lyon and orchestrations by Stephen Oremus, giving this run the same playful bite as the Broadway version.
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.
Storyline
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
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.
Cast & Crew
Director: Jason Moore
Producer: Kevin McCollum; Jamie Wilson Productions
Writer (book): Jeff Whitty
Music and Composer: Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Lyrics: Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Puppet design: Rick Lyon
Orchestrations and Arrangements: Stephen Oremus
Set design: Anna Louizos
Top songs
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.
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 12 and above.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Shaftesbury Theatre
The Shaftesbury Theatre opened as The Princes Theatre in 1911 with a production of The Three Musketeers. The most recent theatre to be built on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Shaftesbury Theatre was designed by Bertie Crewe for the Melville brothers to function as a house for melodrama. The theatre interiors are lavishly decorated with statues showcasing comedy, tragedy, poetry, and music, along with impressive paintings. In 1921, Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas played a season at the theatre performed by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, which is operational to date. Seating Capacity: 1400 The Shaftesbury Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting There
- Address: 210 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8DP, UK
- By metro:
The nearest tube stations to the Shaftesbury Theatre are Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines) and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines).
- By train:
If you wish to take a train to the theatre, the Charing Cross station is the closest.
- By bus:
Several bus routes serve nearby stops including 1, 8, 14, 19, 24, 25, 29, 38, 55, 98, 134 and 176.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Cloak room, Toilets, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Elevator access, Service animals allowed
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Avenue Q voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
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.
