By Conor O’Neill
SpongeBob SquarePants, Squidward Q Tentacles, Patrick Star, Sheldon J Plankton, Patrick Star and their hometown of Bikini Bottom are all new to me. I’ve never watched a single episode of the hit kids’ cartoon series. When it came up for reviewing I thought ‘why the hell not?’, it could be fun. It’s a musical, and what really caught my eye was the talent behind the music: The Flaming Lips – one of my favourite bands -, John Legend, They Might Be Giants, Cyndi Lauper and the music of David Bowie ticked all the boxes for me.
To those of you, like myself, who aren’t aware of the SpongeBob universe, fear not. As the show is aimed at kids, the characters are introduced with almost a pantomime feel but without the audience participation, things are easily understood and digested. And though it maybe aimed at 6-years-old and older don’t be tricked into thinking that there’s nothing here for those more advanced in years. There was a noticeable amount of those in their late 20s and 30s who were obviously fans since their days as toddlers.
Lewis Cornay, pictured above, plays the title character with a ton of fun, great timing and a certain amount of physicality that has the kids in stitches. A short-order cook for Eugene Krabs, owner of the the Krusty Krab restaurant, Bob is forever reminded that he’s just a sponge. We’re on his side from the off. SpongeBob and his best buddy Patrick Star, a starfish with limited IQ but plenty of brawn make for an superb comedy duo. Their duet, Best Friends Forever is an early opportunity for the band to flex its musical muscle.
The band, The Electric Skates, are as you would expect from a West End production, note perfect, and instead of just sitting in the orchestral pit, many are involved in the action. Those who don’t grace the stage are housed in cubicles directly behind the action and can been seen banging on their drums, fiddling at their violins and hammering away at the keys. A truly immersive affair.
The plot sees Bikini Bottom facing ruination as Mount Humungous tremors and fears of a volcanic eruption shadow normal, everyday, happy-go-lucky life in the marine idyll.
Of course this type of show requires a baddie to focus the audiences hate. Divina De Campo’s Sheldon J Plankton is just that character. Business rival of Eugene Krabs. Sheldon sees the end of Bikini Bottom as an opportunity to create Chumsville, a town built around his own rotten character where all the community will be at his heel.
A technical problem stalls the show in the first act adding around 10 minutes on to the runnning time. Not to worry, these things happen. After the unplanned break, things move on and the proper interval takes place. The kids it seems are more than happy with what’s been delivered by the cast, director Tara Overfield Wilkonson, the choreographer Fabian Aloise and musical director Mark Crossland.
So, the community faces oblivion and mass panic breaks out. The media and government seek someone to blame anyone, of course they blame an outsider. Namely Sandy Cheeks – a land mammal, a squirrel, yes it is that surreal, who just happens to be a scientist and might just have to solution to the problem.
Catastrophic situation, blame a minority figure, sound familiar? See, I told you there was something for the adults.
And just as things are gearing up for the finalé, another technical problem. The kids are getting fidgety and we’ve already ran over by close to 20 minutes. The already postponed taxi home can’t be delayed again and before the finish, we can only guess how long that will take?, we have to take our leave.
Frustrating it may be but I was more annoyed for the kids. This may have been for some their first experience of the theatre. There’s a good musical in SpongeBob, it was all going so well, pity gremlins got into the works. I’d still highly recommend this show to people, especially those with youngsters. I just hope the night you attend is not blighted by the problems of last night.
Just a quick word on Gareth Gates – remember him? – as Squidward Q Tentacles; he was a breath of fresh air in an already fresh enough show. I only wish we’d seen more of him.
SpongeBob The Musical runs up to and including Saturday June 3rd. For times and booking details visit http://www.goh.co.k or simply phone the box office on 02890 241919
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