The SpongeBob Musical

Art in Motion Theatre Company’s The SpongeBob Musical is a big, colourful celebration of all things SpongeBob and the world of Bikini Bottom, with a large, hard-working cast and orchestra, that is presented with lots of pizzazz.

Although there isn’t a great deal of story, there are some really interesting characters - and the use of 20 or so song writers, means that the music is interesting and varied throughout. The music is surprisingly complex and is well-handled by Musical Director Tara Oorjitham and her 16 piece orchestra, and by vocal coach Jen Gadecke and the cast.

Lots of very cute references to the original cartoon, including a gorgeous interpretation of Gary the Snail, designed and built by set designer Gary Wetherilt, and a lovely Squidward costume. Director Terence Smith embraces the limits of the stage, with some dynamic staging to represent the volcano Mt Humungous. The pace and feel of the show match the style of the cartoon.

Joshua Hollander is very likeable and sings well, as this very unconventional leading man, anchoring the show well - he is “not just a simple sponge”. Riley Merigan is delightfully clueless and sweet as Patrick Star, while Niamh Nichols is lovely as clever, karate-expert squirrel Sandy Cheeks, completing the trio of heroes.

Charlie Darlington makes a great villain, combining the original cartoon stylings with elements reminiscent of Sir Robert Helpmann’s Child-Catcher - his offsider Karen the Computer, is given brains and glamour by Ellie Hart-Petersen.

Lovely larger-than-life characterisations throughout including Jarvys McQueen-Mason’s melancholy Squidward, Brittany Isaia’s effervescent Pearll Krabs, Liam Tickner’s profit obsessed Eugene Krabs, Sarah Callahan’s wonderfully useless Mayor and Max Leunig’s colourful Perch Perkins.

Great support from Rachel Vonk as Mrs Puff, Jeremy Beerkens as Old Man Jenkins and Matthew Leak, who like most characters in the show also double in the ensemble. Candice Preston, Melody Castledine and Cortni Cooper are clearly relishing their star-turn as the Electric Skates - while Michael Carroll, Breanna Redhead, Megan West and Tatum Stafford work well throughout - especially as cultist Sardines.

Lots of colourful costumes (Bianca Roose, Eliza Greenall and Eloise Carter) and some innovative and clever makeup and hair design from Yvette Drager Wetherilt. Dylan Dorotich’s lighting design add colour and atmosphere, and the foley artist work from Christopher Steicke is particularly strong.

While this will appeal mostly to fans of the cartoon, musical theatre nerds will appreciate the smattering of jokes from classic shows. The SpongeBob Community will adore this frenetic, colourful celebration.

Kimberley Shaw