SpongeBob SquarePants– the Nickelodeon sensation beloved across the world- made his Broadway debut in 2017. For the first time, the residents of Bikini Bottom are shipping their musical to the UK, promising seafaring silliness for fans both old and new.
The impending eruption of an underwater volcano threatens to wipe out SpongeBob’s hometown: while he sets out to save the day, the other citizens plan an evacuation fundraising concert.
Plot thinness is no issue here as a splendidly diverse cast puts everything into embodying their characters, making every scene an immersive joy. Anyone who has seen the show will appreciate the vast inclusion of its treasured sea creatures; Mrs Puff (Eloise Davies), Larry the Lobster (Theo Reece), Old Man Jenkins (Reece Kerridge) and Gary the Snail all feature.
Their voices and mannerisms are all captured perfectly to comedic and nostalgia-inducing effect, from SpongeBob’s (Lewis Cornay) laugh to the sideward scuttling of Mr Krabs (Richard J Hunt). No review can go without recognising costume designer Sarah Mercadé’s fantastically expressive outfits, the colours and styles of which further contribute to this characterisation. Donning an extra pair of legs as Squidward Q Tentacles, Tom Read Wilson arrests simply by marching double-limbed around the stage.
All performances are coherently strong. Divina De Campo boasts a huge stage presence as the usually microscopic villain, Sheldon J Plankton: their rap segments in ‘When the Going Gets Tough’ are nothing other than flawless. As Patrick Star, Irfan Damani wows with a powerful voice, most notably in ‘(I Guess) I Miss You’. Chrissie Bhima channels unflagging enthusiasm into outsider Sandy Cheeks through confident deliveries and big karate kicks.
Though not the most memorable despite the big-name writers, the songs are varied and will likely have you streaming them afterwards for another listen- particularly ‘BFF’ and ‘I’m Not a Loser’.
There are plenty of nods to the TV show: the narrator’s time-card reading and dolphin noises to disguise expletives is to name but two. The script contains plenty of child-friendly humour, but over-the-head adult jokes are kept to mild and limited levels.
Steve Howell incorporates amusing props and digital content into the set design, providing an enchanting atmosphere for scenes at Jellyfish Fields, Sandy’s Lab and other iconic locations. Some opening-night sound hiccups did not deter from an otherwise stellar production.
If nautical nonsense is something you wish, reel in a ticket!
The SpongeBob Musical continues at the Opera House in Manchester until 21st May with tickets available from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-spongebob-musical/opera-house-manchester/
Reviewer: Scot Cunningham
Reviewed: 16th May 2023
North West End UK Rating: