A host of fuzzy friends will be visiting Croydon this summer but it is unlikely they will be on their best behaviour, writes Andy Bloss.

The award winning musical Avenue Q is embarking on a UK tour following years of success on Broadway and at the West End.

Featuring the naughtiest puppets in town, a cast of 11 performers bring the show to life with a musical about growing up, dreaming big and finding your purpose in life.

Characters in show are varied and include Princeton, a bright-eyed graduate who has come to New York with big dreams, Brian the out-of-work comedian and his fiancé Christmas Eve.

There is Nicky the good hearted slacker and Trekkie Monster who is an expert on the web Croydon Guardian reporter Andy Bloss caught up with director Cressida Carré, actress Jacqueline Tate and puppet Kate Monster about the show.

Andy Bloss: For those who have lived underground for all their lives, what isAvenue Q about?

KM: It is, quite simply, about life. Life, love, friendship and hardship as you know it, not the rose-tinted glamour we so often see on stage and screen. And guys, there’s no shame in living underground. I know plenty of monsters who lead happy, full lives down there and it’s a personal choice.

JT: It’s about a group of 20-30-somethings who are trying to find their way in life. Some of the characters are puppets and others are humans. It’s like Sesame Street for adults, but instead of learning their ABCs and 123s, they are discovering things about themselves and learning life lessons about relationships, identity and jobs, and other serious issues… like your roommate ironing his underwear!

AB: What do you like most about the show?

KM: Well... I don’t want to give too much away but there’s a scene in which Princeton and I... Well - let’s just say my Dad may have to cover his eyes.....and ears. He may have to leave.

JT: The writing is brilliant. The show is full of great characters, and is so much fun. The songs are outrageous. I still laugh every day, even though I’ve heard the lines a hundred times. Ultimately the show has real heart. It’s hopeful, joyful and completely infectious.

AB: What is it like going on tour? What is your relationship like with the other puppets?

KM: Oh my gosh, it’s going to be so much fun! I love the other residents of Avenue Q: they’re like family to me. I’m probably closest to Christmas Eve. She talks funny but is the kindest lady I’ve ever met.

AB: Who is the most mischievous out of the cast?

KM: I guess you could describe Trekkie Monster as mischievous. If by "mischievous", you mean "enormous, raging pervert".

AB: What can the audience expect from the show?

Your Local Guardian:

Kate Monster 

KM: A lot of fun! Laughs, too. And a couple of swearsies. Sorry about that. I have never been to Croydon before either, so I can’t wait. I love learning about new places. Learning’s my favourite.

CC: You won’t ever have seen anything like it. It’s a fast paced, laugh out loud show which is full of wonderful characters a great story and fantastic songs.

JT: It’s rude and hilarious, and the feel-good factor is super high! It’s not a puppet show like you imagine it. The actors are onstage with the puppets. They are not hidden away, so you see the emotion on their faces. They begin to morph with the puppets. It’s completely bizarre and wonderful. AB: If you could do a show about any other street in the world, where would you do it and why?

KM: Oooooh, Downing Street. I bet they’re all just the best of friends there. Right?

CC: I would do it about the Champs-Élysées because I love Paris.

Avenue Q, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, July 28 to July 30, 7.30pm and 2.30pm, £20 to £32.50, go to www.fairfield.co.uk or call 02086889291.