Seven years ago I was in New York City watching a very funny theatre production called Avenue Q. Coincidentally, 2016 marked the year that I both returned to NYC, and watched Avenue Q once again - but this time in Melbourne.
Last week the award winning musical opened at Her Majesty's Theatre and, with the exception of a small mention of Donald Trump's hair, not much has changed - which is great because why fix something if it aint broke? It's still highly inappropriate. Still very politically incorrect. And still hugely hilarious.
Amongst the laughs surrounding the hard-honest-truth vulgarities of this production, there's something about it all that makes you go 'hmmm'. As you watch puppet college graduate, Princeton, go through the motions of finding love, finding somewhere to live (that he can afford), and finding his purpose in life, you can't help but feel a sympathetic soft spot for the furry fellow - even when he's being stupidly led astray by The Bad Idea Bears...
Part person, part puppet, Avenue Q touches on most of the taboo topics in brazen defiance that makes an ironic point through comedy and song. In fact, if you or someone you know has a tendency to take life a little too seriously, Avenue Q is right up your alley.
But don't be fooled. The warning from Her Majesty's is clear: full puppet nudity will induce raucous laughter. Leave the impressionable kiddlywinks at home, and be quick - it ends this Sunday 14th August.
Avenue Q
Her Majesty's Theatre
Tickets on sale now