Avenue Q cast get professional advice

The cast of a production of Avenue Q, which will be performed at the Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, this month have taken part in a workshop in preparation for the show.

Members of Newark Amateur Operatic Society travelled to Hertfordshire to work with the coach of the West End production of the show, Nigel Plaskitt.

The show will be directed by Justin Day who plays a cameo role as the newcomer.

“The rehearsals and workshop have been great fun and there has been a real family feel with the cast,” he said.

They will use puppets created by renowned puppeteer Paul Jomain.

The musical director is Paul O’Leary, who will be leading the company musically for the third autumn production in a row following Little Shop of Horrors in 2015 and Rent last year, both performed at the Averham theatre.

The cast includes Christian Norton as Princeton, Lizzie Buckingham as Kate Monster with Jack Courtney playing Nicky, supported by Tony Rose, opposite Ian Norton as Rod.

Trekkie Monster will be played by Kieran Owen, assisted by Tineke Fleet.

Society regular Jo Dewberry will play Gary Colman and Natasha Logan will be Lucy.

The Bad Idea Bears will be played by Cate Martin and Adele Lebeter, returning for the first time since playing Lily St Regis in Annie.

The part of school principal, Mrs T, is taken by Hollie Bird with Nicholas Oliver returning to the stage to play Ricky.

Among the many puppets on stage will be two “human” characters — Brian played by Dave Egan and Christmas Eve played by Helen Mumby.

The show opens a week on Tuesday and continues until October 21.

Tickets are selling fast with limited availability for some performances.

They are available from the Robin Hood website www.rhtc.co.uk/tickets or call 07733179986.

They cost £11 for shows on Tuesday to Thursday and £12 on Friday and Saturday.