The publicity for Avenue Q very clearly tells us that this show is not for the faint hearted. That much is true! I nearly died from laughter!

The audience was in hysterics at the antics of a very un-Sesame Street bunch of puppet characters. The actors controlling the furry thespians was a highly skilled troupe of players. All deserve mention. David Dawson and Jack Divers bounced off each other and Emma Callin and Damien Kneale were a most touching, tender (and sexually experimental!) partnership; that had pathos at its core. Emma Bowker only added to the fun when she became the third wheel in a love triangle that sizzled and exploded (in every way you could imagine!)

Mark Dougherty should be ashamed of himself! That’s how well he played Trekkie monster. Jonathan Sleight has a voice to die for and used it to its maximum effect.

Jude Fullerton, Thomas Iain Dixon, Jorja Christian, Charlotte and Sam Faragher were all quite wonderful in their roles and added an energy and diversity to each and every scene that they were in.

The six-piece band, under the musical supervision of MD Claire Creer had us dancing in our seats. Karen Corkhill seems to be at the centre of everything theatrical on the Isle of Man and deserves the accolade set out in the programme. Everything on stage and off was top class.

David Dawson (assisted by Nick Cain) directed with aplomb, sincerity and got great pace into the dialogue.

This show has real heart, and really hearty comedy at its grass roots.

Don’t let the sunshine rob you of a chance to see it!

Avenue Q is on at the Gaiety Theatre until Saturday, July 7, at 7.30pm each night. Tickets are £20.40 to £23, available from villagaiety.com