West End reprieve for puppet play

The adult puppet show opened in the West End in 2006

Puppet comedy Avenue Q will have a new home from 1 June following the decision to extend its run in London's West End at a different theatre.

Originally the show - an adult Sesame Street with Muppet-style puppets - had been due to close at the Noel Coward Theatre to make way for another show.

Following a surge in bookings, though, it will reopen at the Gielgud Theatre on 1 June after a month-long break.

The show opened in New York in 2004, going on to win three Tony Awards.

"When I first saw Avenue Q over five years ago, I found it a very funny, fresh and clever look at the trials and tribulations of young people finding their way in life," said producer Cameron Mackintosh.

'Delighted'

"So I was rather surprised when the show opened in 2006 that the British national critics mostly didn't get it.

"Three years later Q is going stronger than ever, so much so that ever since I announced its closure business has surged.

"I'm delighted to announce that Avenue Q will continue its run on the Avenue - Shaftesbury, that is - at the start of June."

The show will reopen at the Gielgud after Alan Bennett's play Enjoy finishes its run on 16 May.

Calendar Girls, a stage version of the popular 2003 film, opens at the Noel Coward Theatre on 4 April.

Avenue Q is one of few West End shows to pull in crowds during the recent economic downturn, partly due to reduced ticket prices.