Highly energetic and brimming with camp charm, The Spongebob Musical is fun for people of all ages regardless of how well you know the Spongebob Squarepants franchise.
The audience is transported to the whimsical underwater town of Bikini Bottom, where they will recognise familiar settings, such as the pineapple under the sea, home to Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick’s rock, The Krusty Krab and the infamous Chum Bucket.
It is a true feast for the senses, with catchy music and fun choreography that is complemented by bright, colourful costumes and set designs.
The Spongebob Musical sees Spongebob Squarepants, played by Lewis Cornay, Patrick Star, played by Irfan Damani, and Sandy Cheeks, played by Chrissie Bhima, attempting to save Bikini Bottom from a looming disaster.
Also starring Richard J Hunt as Eugene Krabs and Pop Idol legend Gareth Gates as Squidward Q Tentacles, the musical makes allegories to real social injustice issues facing many communities today, but results in a message of hope and acceptance from the on-stage performers. There were also posters encouraging the underwater townsfolk to stay home on set that were reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Drag artist and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK legend Divina De Campo was a clear highlight in the show as supervillain Sheldon J Plankton. Serving what felt like Rocky Horror Picture Show meets cartoon villains, it was hard not to smile everytime Plankton and digital wife Karen the Computer, played by Hannah Lowther, appeared on stage.
As a Spongebob Squarepants fan myself, I was curious to see how the Nickelodeon cartoon would translate to the stage. However, it was an absolute dream to witness these joyful and familiar characters coming to life at Wales Millenium Centre. While the characters are human adaptations from the original cartoon, they are still easily identifiable and they do not lose any of their child-like charm along the way. The actors delivered seamless performances and impressively managed to maintain the voices of the original characters, even as they danced and sang.
Adapted for the stage in 2016 by playwright Kyle Jarrow and directed by Tara Overwield Wilkinson, The Spongebob Musical is packed with original songs by different well-known and loved artists including Panic! At The Disco, David Bowie, Yolanda Adams, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Steven Tyler as well as original Spongebob actor Tom Kenny - just to name a few.
The musicians are beautifully woven into the stage show, with characters such as Patchy the Pirate, played by Sam Everidge, and the other members of the fictional rock band The Electric Skates, interacting with other cast members as well as the audience brilliantly.
The show also gives thoughtful little nods to fans with details such as the squeaking sounds as characters walk, Gary the Snail, the sardines and the French voiceover between scenes.
The Spongebob Musical is a must see for fans of the cartoon and anybody who loves bright and cheerful stage shows. Tickets are still available for performances at the Wales Millenium Centre t
his week by visiting its website.