AN award-winning puppet musical will begin a four-night run in Northwich on Wednesday.

Avenue Q, set it downtown New York, tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate who moves into Avenue Q where humans and puppets live happily side-by-side.

The adult show tackles a number of issues as its main characters venture into adulthood, including racism and sexuality.

The critically-acclaimed musical has won numerous awards over the years, and with 2,534 performances, Avenue Q ranks 24th on the list of longest running shows in Broadway history.

The show will be performed at Northwich Memorial Court from May 24 to 27 by the Knutsford Musical Theatre Company (KMTC).

KMTC have spent the last six months rehearsing Avenue Q after they were given permission by Josef Weinberger ltd on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

It is the first time the group has put on a show featuring puppets.

KMTC member Tracey Abbott said: “We normally just have standard shows with normal casts.

“Some of the cast have worked with puppets before but it is a first for most of us.

“One of the hardest things is making sure your puppet is facing the right direction.

“And if your human cast member is talking to the puppet, you have got to talk back to the puppet, not the puppeteer.”

The show features adult content and has been given a 12A certificate.

Parents are advised to use their discretion.

A spokesman for KMTC said: “Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless and politically incorrect are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs in this show.”

Avenue Q has not been authorized or approved by the Jim Henson Company or Sesame Workshop which have no responsibility for its content.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £14 with concessions. Tickets can be bought on the door.

For more information contact 01606 75270.