Avenue Q supports prostate cancer awareness campaign
Feature by Lizzie Guilfoyle
This November the residents of Avenue Q will be supporting Movember, the annual month-long celebration of the moustache that highlights men’s health issues, particularly the dangers of prostate cancer.
Movember has raised the passions of Avenue Q householder Rod who has rallied his neighbours to join him in getting fully behind the campaign. They will all be supporting his hunt to find his Mo Bro Beau – The Sexiest Mo Bro of 2009.
Mo Bros, supported by their Mo Sistas, start Movember (November 1) clean shaven and then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache.
During Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard for men’s health and, via their Mo, raises essential funds and awareness for Movember‘s men’s health partner – The Prostate Cancer Charity. The celebration will culminate at the end of Movember when Rod picks his favourite Mo Bro.
Ten finalists will be selected for an all expenses paid trip to see the show and show off their mo at a special performance on November 30. The winner and two runners-up will be announced on the night and experience their own special moment on stage with Rod and the cast of Avenue Q immediately following the performance.”
Rod says: “I have long admired a man with a mo. The droopier and more well hung the better. I am thrilled to help raise awareness of this important men’s health issue – as well as indulging in a long held fantasy of being a Celebrity Judge (eat your heart out Louis Walsh!) This is every British man’s opportunity to be a grower and a shower all at the same time.”
Mo Bros can enter Rod’s contest by visiting the official Avenue Q Facebook page where they should post photographs of their hairy faces by November 25, 2009.
Collections for the charity will take place at Saturday performances of Avenue Q throughout the month and during the whole month of November, Mo Bros can enjoy a special discount if they visit in person at the Gielgud Theatre Box Office – all they have to do is quote ‘Movember offer’ and show their moustache to get best available seats for just £25 (usually up to £50) plus a complimentary drink (house beer, wine or soft drink) for all Monday to Friday performances during November.
And for the November 30 Movember performance of Avenue Q, all Mo Bros (with their Mo Sistas) can purchase the best available seats for just £15 and the booking fee (£1.75) on each ticket will be donated to Movember and The Prostate Cancer Charity.
To date, Movember has raised over £30 million globally for the fight against prostate cancer and depression in men. And, more importantly, as a direct result, male awareness of health issues has improved with Movember helping to spread health messages directly to millions of Mo Bros and Sistas around the world.
Described as “witty, catchy and darn charming”, Avenue Q ingeniously combines a cast of humans and puppets who tackle subjects such as dating, racism, internet porn, being gay and finding your purpose in life.
Avenue Q is currently booking at the Gielgud Theatre until March 20, 2010.