Despite the cute puppets and the similarities to the characters from the Muppets, this is most definitely not a children’s show!

Avenue Q, a funny and searingly honest musical of the passing into young adulthood, is to appear at the Gaiety Theatre later this month.

The play features a lively mix of real actors interacting with puppets.

Through following the life of a young college graduate, Princeton, who ends up living in the titular Avenue Q, shares his neighbourhood with a range of colourful characters, each with their own obstacle in life they have to overcome as they grow up and adapt to living an adult life.

Going by song titles alone, including ’It Sucks to Be Me’, ’If You Were Gay’, ’Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist’ and ’You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You’re Makin’ Love)’, the subject matter makes this a show aimed at teenagers and upwards.

David Dawson, from Shoestring Productions, said that the play isn’t really suited to children.

’It has a rating of 12A, and is probably suited to young teenagers and young adults, although it is a very funny and interesting production that most would enjoy,’ said David.

’It covers many adult themes, like sex, pornography, racism, all seen through the eyes of ordinary people and monsters as they get on with their day to day lives.’

The cast were aided by Nigel Plaskitt who has worked on films such as the Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island and Labyrinth.

’We have been blessed to have worked with Nigel, who visited the Island to work specifically with the cast and improve their puppet skills,’ said David. ’He has also trained every one of the Avenue Q casts from the West End, so his experience has been invaluable.’

Local actors Damien Kneale, Jack Divers, Emma Bowker and Jonathan Sleight will appear along side the various puppets.

Avenue Q opens on Saturday, June 30, and runs until Saturday, July 7, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are from £20, available from villagaiety.com

Avenue Q is sponsored by Newfields, Shoprite and the Isle of Man Steam Packet and will be raising money for the chosen charity Hospice IOM.