This evening, I find myself visiting the underwater town of Bikini bottom and joining Spongebob and friends on a quest to save the town from a volcano that is threatening to wipe it and them all out.
CODYS productions ‘Stars of the future!’ brings the musical that is based on the Nickelodeon series to the Brindley theatre, and we had a great time being transported to another world for a few hours.
Directed by Dan Grimes, with musical direction from Emily Woodward and Choreography by Laura Cupit, we are treated to some fabulous songs delivered to a high standard by a super talented cast of young performers, with fun, inventive dance routines and a great storyline that is well directed, full of fun while keeping the suspense running throughout.
Spongebob is double cast with Team Krusty Krab and Team Chum Bucket sharing the principal roles. This evening, we have Team Chum Bucket and they all shine.
Amy Littlemore is wonderful as Spongebob with great comedic timing, storytelling and fantastic vocals. Teamed up with Ollie Shaw as Patrick, the pair are great together and Shaw brings the character to life perfectly. Katelyn Pratt makes a wonderful Sandy with a spot-on Texan accent and killer vocals and Emma Hampson is brilliant as Squidward, a great character brought to life by a great performer and delivered a fab tap routine.
Sam Grimes is hilarious as Mr Krabs with Elizabeth Usher delivering phenomenal vocals as Pearl.
The villains of the show, Plankton and Karen, played by Harry Brown and Emma Grigg are a great pairing with Brown treating us to a fantastic rap.
The whole cast work so hard on this show, especially as the other team of principals also have ensemble roles so are in every show and have to learn two roles. A hugely talented group.
Lighting is provided by the Brindley team and is fantastic, bringing the piece together so well while helping us transport to that underwater world. Sound by John Ormerod is great for the most, although there are a few occasions where microphones were muffled making it difficult to hear some dialogue especially while being delivered over music.
The show is performed to backing tracks which are good quality, but I feel it misses having a live band as some of the songs feel a little regimented as the performer is tied to the timing of the track rather than have a little breathing space you would get with a band.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Spongebob Musical and I hope Team Krusty Krab have as much joy and fun as Team Chum Bucket had this evening. I must also say a big thank you to CODYS productions chair, Jennifer Woodward for the warm welcome and for looking after us so well. I look forward to seeing what comes next for CODYS productions.
The Spongebob Musical runs until 13th September with tickets available at www.thebrindley.org.uk
Reviewer: Damian Riverol
Reviewed: 10th September 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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