Book: Kyle Jarrow
Music and lyrics: Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! at the Disco, Plain White Ts, They Might Be Giants, T.I, David Bowie, Tom Kenny, Andy Paley and Tom Kitt
Director: Tara Overfield Wilkinson
Whether you know and love these legendary cartoon characters or not, you and your family are sure to enjoy the full-on fun and madness of The Spongebob Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal this week.
The talented cast wear a kaleidoscope of colourful costumes as they sing and dance their hearts out to songs by, incredibly, John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, The Flaming Lips, Steven Tyler and David Bowie, among others. The worldwide Nickelodeon TV franchise could afford to push the boat out for this venture and it shows.
Loveable Spongebob, played by Lewis Cornay, becomes a zany boy-scout type in human form and his pal Patrick, played by Irfan Damani, is suitably tall and pink and topped by a tall beanie hat. Their song BFF was one of the audience’s favourites and it is their daft, playful friendship that lies at the heart of the plot.
The musical lets the audience get to know all of Bikini Bottom’s famous residents and sees them take on the threat posed by rumbling volcano Mount Humungous, each in their own special way. Mr Krabs, for example, sees impending doom as a way to sell more patties. His sideways entrances and exits are accompanied by a clatter of maracas, getting a great reception from all ages in the audience. Such cartoonish touches are frequent, such as when Spongebob bellows, and the whole cast hilariously lean back as one.
Sad Squidward is played by Gareth Gates who has starred in musical theatre for many years following his pop success. He does a sterling job, particularly in an old-Hollywood-style tap number, stylishly executed despite his mesmerising four feet and perfectly pleated four-legged trousers. Well, he is a squid.
Drag Race UK finalist Divina de Campo has an amazing voice and stage presence and as Sheldon J Plankton their epic scheming with computer wife Karen is punctuated by them belting out some great songs.
Sarah Freer as teenage whale Pearl Krabs also has a beautiful voice. Like many of the cast, she takes on multiple roles, and multiple costume changes and joins the innumerable and diverse dance numbers choreographed by Fabian Aloise. The puppetry of luminous sponges during Spongebob’s solo is a real delight.
The musicians are on stage throughout and Marcus Carter-Adams’ fingers never leave the keyboard, even during the final bows.
There are also cleverly recorded appearances by Good Morning Britain’s Richard Arnold as Bikini Bottom’s flamboyant news anchorman during the crisis, which has echoes of lockdown. The show is not just for kids – though they are welcomed with half-price tickets – as its humour and references are often aimed at adults. However, the volume, effects, and action are all turned up to the max and the way the volanco’s threat is averted is a special treat that your reviewer won’t give away.
Runs until 9th September 2023.