The clear standout performer in this production was Charlotte Robbins. Her singing was exceptional and her accent and acting seamless as she portrayed the role of Latino, Diana Morales. Her rendition of ‘Nothing’ was moving and ‘What I Did For Love’ nearly bought a tear to my eye.

The cast are a charismatic bunch of performers and dancers. Stand out performers are Charlotte Robins as Diana, leading the cast during “What I Did For Love” and her wonderful, emotional solo number “Nothing “; Katie White as Cassie, who’s breakout number “Music and the Mirror” is an accomplished and fantastic dance piece; Alicia Loftus’ emotional and guarded performance of “At the Ballet”. Aynsley Mitchell and Joe Melhem shine as Kristine and Al in their adorable couple number, “Sing”, and Liam McWhinney as Paul, opening up about his early drag career, coming out and his troubled childhood, could bring a tear to any audience member’s eye.

Overall, Beaumaris Theatre’s Avenue Q is a great way to spend an evening if you’re looking to hear some catchy songs, while hearing some hilarious vulgarity from puppets along the way. The team at Beaumaris have put together what is a funny and heartfelt production, taking a talented cast in a small theatre to create big laughs. Well done to everyone involved!

Despite the racy language and the ‘adult themes’, there’s a kind of goofy innocence about Avenue Q. This cast delivers that with energy and complete commitment. The appeal of this Avenue Q lies in its cast, plus the naughty spoof of the beloved Sesame Street, plus the pop culture references, the childlike delight we all have in the Muppet puppets and a relaxed, funny take on what are actually serious real life problems. Its rather tacked-on but obligatory happy ending for all the major characters should come as no surprise. (Shakespeare was prone to much the same thing in his comedies.) If you’re around Beaumaris or even if you’re not, go see this show.

Imagine being transported back to 1959 and being in High School and all that was associated with that time. Well, Beaumaris Theatre Company definitely did that last Friday night on their opening night of their production Grease. They even had a vintage car parked right by the front doors, which was a very nice touch, and the front of house staff were all dressed in the 1950’s style.