From Monday (May 16) puppet power will rule at Milton Keynes Theatre when Avenue Q makes its long overdue return.
It's hilarious, cheeky and irresistibly funny, and once seen, you will never look at puppets in quite the same way! We spoke to Kate Monster, and her puppeteer Sarah Harlington...
People say that you are the naughtiest puppets in town, but which of you is the cheekiest - and why?
Kate Monster: "Oh the Bad Idea Bears are by far the cheekiest! If you don’t know the Bad Idea Bears, they are the cutest little bears you have ever seen, but they like to convince you that it’s a good idea to do some bad things! Like playing drinking games on a work night, oversleeping the next day and getting fired.
"But I still love them!"
Do you think you get away with more because you are cute?!
Kate Monster: "Oh absolutely! Profanity, sexual innuendo, and singing songs about everything from racism to porn, seems so much nicer when it’s a fluffy little monster talking, right?
"But really I’m the shy, well behaved one. It’s my neighbours you need to watch out for!"
If you moved next door to Total MK how would you impress us as your new neighbours? What gift would you leave at the door?
Kate Monster: "Well, my neighbour Princeton made me a mix tape the other day, and I think that’s probably the nicest thing anyone has done for me, ever!
"Oh I have such soft spot for Princeton, but don’t tell him! So, I would make you a mix tape, of all the songs I think you would like."
Why should MK folks come and see you and Avenue Q?
Kate Monster: "Avenue Q is hilarious, naughty, high energy, warm-hearted and completely unique.
"It’s a brilliant story about growing up, dreaming big, and finding your purpose in life.
"It’s full of brilliant characters, puppet and human, and we guarantee you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face and a skip in your step!
How does it feel to be such an integral part of the show, but for all the focus to be on the puppet?
Sarah Harlington: "Playing Kate Monster and Lucy has always been a dream role of mine.
"It's such a demanding part both physically and vocally but I enjoy the challenge and it's an absolute gift as a performer to play the goodie and baddie and to have gained a new skill as a puppeteer.
"As the focus is on the puppet it's down to me to make sure the audience engage with the characters and to not pull too much focus away from them. It requires concentration at all times to make sure the puppet (and I!) are reacting to the action on stage.
"When people apologise for having not watched me and only focused on the puppet I take that as a huge compliment!"
Can you tell us about any mishaps, or unintentionally funny moments that have occurred on the tour?
Sarah Harlington: "The thing that we all find the funniest is the audience reaction. Some people come back time and time again however, touring the UK means we perform to lots of people who haven't seen the show before and have no idea what to expect.
"This means we get some hilarious cackles. Sometimes long after a joke may have died down someone will still be audibly snorting in the aisles setting the audience off again and often the entire cast.
"Trying to get through a scene when you and everyone around you is shaking, desperate to laugh, is one of the hardest things to do!"
Why should people come and see the show?
Sarah Harlington: "Avenue Q is a hilarious musical with a great heart. It's a feel good show and guarantees a great night out.
"Catchy songs and puppets like you've never seen them before - believe me, it's amazing what you can get away with, with a furry puppet on your arm!"
To book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
