The SpongeBob Musical (Youth edition)

One of the delights of quality theatre devised for children and young people is the joy and playfulness it brings. Presented by a 30 strong ensemble who sing, dance, act and tap-dance their socks and flippers off, this is two alternating shows that highlights the SpongeBob common theme of environmental awareness. I saw Krabby Patty which is set in Bikini Bottom, an under the sea town.  I am very tempted to line up, as busloads of excited children did, to also see Chum Bucket. It is a proper ensemble that gives all of the young cast a chance to perform different roles and to stretch their theatre experience and talents. Importantly, the script, based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg is relevant and accessible to children and adults alike. Supported by a strong, capable production team, Director, Billie-Rose Russell has created a very slick, professional style show.

An important feature is the use of colourful, ever-changing projections done by Balun Dyer-Reid. These keep everyone, even non readers abreast of place and events in the story and very simple flats and props keep the visual effects uncluttered and uncomplicated, thus the story and performances shine through. There were some sound issues at our performance, but nothing that was not rectified. Costumes co-ordinated by Sharon Malujlo were an eye-catching feature and one young audience member commented that she really liked ‘the silver sparkly costume’ worn by the bad guy’s glamorous sidekick. I loved the pink sparkly outfits and the cleverly designed claws too.

Lucy Parkes as SpongeBob in this show, sings, acts and dances well. She is full of energy and beaming smiles and this is contagious. There is lots to see and watch including six girls doing a Western routine, a reporter who keeps warning us that ‘the end is nigh’ and an empty-headed sidekick, Patrick played with deliberate, gangly awkwardness by Abby Hall. Despite using a backing tape, the ensemble is well rehearsed and tuneful and their song about their hometown is excellent. I also loved the poignant songs ‘Best Friends Forever’ and ‘I’m Not a Loser’. There is well-placed humour with jokes that the audience loved from Patrick such as, ‘Is mayonnaise an instrument?’ and ‘You got me through when we were stuck inside with no TV.’

The only dampener for this under the water tale is the very short season, so hurry in to see SpongeBob and his friends clean up environmental issues whilst delighting audiences.

Jude Hines