A MUSICAL featuring puppets but definitely not aimed at children will bring a touch of Broadway to Helston next week.

Tony Award-winning Avenue Q has been making headlines since 2003 for its witty and to-the-bone takes on a range of topics not usually brought up in public.

The musical covers ideas that everyone secretly thinks but never admits publicly - such as laughing at other people's mistakes, also known as Schadenfreude, and what the internet is really for...

Using a mix of actors and Sesame Street-style puppets, Avenue Q tells the story of a recent university graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy The Slut and other colourful types who help Princeton finally discover his true purpose in life.

Performed by Helston Theatre Company from next Tuesday, the show’s adult themes have presented an exciting challenge for chairman and director Paul Blaber, who previously directed award-winning productions of Sunset Boulevard and Rent for the company.

He said: "We invite all adults with a good sense of humour to come and share some laughter with us. It’s not for the easily-offended, and it’s not suitable for children under the age of 13 – but that’s where the fun begins.

"With a show full of catchy songs we’re hoping audiences will be singing all the way home."

The show runs from Tuesday, April 17 to Saturday, April 21 at 7.30pm each day, with an additional Saturday matinee performance.

Tickets are available from helstontheatreco.com and Gillian’s Larder in Helston. Avenue Q is not suitable for children under the age of 13.