The three words “funny”, rude” and “puppets” are together a very accurate description of what to expect when watching Avenue Q, but in reality it is so much more.

A colourful, playful appearance and a sprinkling of light hearted humour brings together a strange but welcome mix of childhood nostalgia with a more adult-centric plot.

The audience was constantly in fits of laughter as the muppet-esque puppets work through issues ranging from purpose in life after university, sex (be prepared for this scene) and relationships to racism and the naughtier side of the Internet.

The show is incredibly well cast, each puppet being wonderfully brought to life with more facial expression than you would expect from a simple hand puppet, and all the movement and gestures you might expect to see in a Jim Henson production.

Despite no attempt to cover up the puppeteers aside from black attire, all your attention is drawn to the colourful and comical stars of the show to the point where you forget the puppeteers are even there. But if you do choose to watch them, you see some equally entertaining expressions.

The songs are catchy and entertaining throughout, with no sign of slowing down, and a variety of singing collaborations from the cast are supported by the fact they rotate off-stage between the characters almost flawlessly.

Leads Sarah Harlington and Richard Lowe truly steal the show with their singing performances, juggling between giving each of their characters a signature style with ease, even while both puppets are on stage.

Harlington’s portrayal as both innocent, squeaky Kate Monster and the confident seductress Lucy the Slut gives her two chances to shine, with an incredible delivery of There’s a fine, fine line.

A special mention should be made to characters the Bad Idea Bears for such a wildly entertaining concept, replacing the angel and devil on the shoulders while making a decision with two cute, furry devils. Stephen Arden and Jessica Parker also get the thumbs up for the obscenely high voices they were able to conjure up in order to play them.

While the show might have suffered from some lighting issues and a recurring set problem, given it was opening night on a new stage, it was negligible compared to the outstanding performance delivered by the whole ensemble.

A unique experience for theatre-goers, the simple concept of Avenue Q combining the smut of grown-up humour with the innocence of cute puppets, will leave the crowd howling with laughter.

But maybe leave the kids at home.