Having a six-year-old son, you'd have thought that any mention of Spongebob would send me running for the hills - however after taking a chance with the stage musical, I couldn't be happier I persevered.
Having just finished a short stint in Southampton,The Spongebob Musical opened earlier this week at Birmingham Hippodrome. Based on the popular Nickelodeon animated series, the story follows Spongebob and his friends as they try to save Bikini Bottom from an impending disaster.
First things first - what Spongebob isn't, is actors in mascot outfits recreating the cartoon on stage. The staging and costume are reminiscent of the characters and scenarios we know and love - however, much to the confusion of some of the younger audience members, what you won't see is a recreation of Spongebob, Squidward and Patrick, verbatim.
What you will see, however is a high-energy performance with colourful sets and catchy songs, written by a variety of big names including David Bowie, John Legend, and Cyndi Lauper.
This production has an EXCEPTIONAL soundtrack - and I can't emphasise that strongly enough. The cast's rendition of the opening number, 'Bikini Bottom Day' was stunning and quite possibly one of the best performances I've seen on a stage this year. It's infectious, energetic and such a good song, there wasn't a single person not singing it during the interval.
However, alongside the music, it's the cast who take the show to the next level.
Lewis Cornay (Book Of Mormon) takes on the titular role and is sublime. In a part which could easily have been written for him, his astonishing vocal performance, comic timing and perfect mannerisms made him the ideal choice for a role he excelled in. Alongside Irfan Damani (Gangsta Granny) as the loveable starfish, Patrick, the duo had a chemistry which worked so brilliantly on stage you'd assume they'd known each other for years.
Divina De Campo (Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, Chicago) excelled as Plankton - the 'bad guy' who tries to stop SpongeBob from saving the day. With a compelling performance, she brought more than a hint of camp panto-esque villain to the role which the audience lapped up.
This was also Gareth Gates' first run of shows as Squidward, having succumbed to injury for the Southampton leg of the tour. Gates' transition from pop star to musical theatre performer has been swift and with a clear love of the genre, it's a joy to see him perform.
Special mention should also go to Hannah Lowther (Heathers) who has done something incredibly special. She's part of a very important 'club' along with other performers who have created a social media platform giving access to theatre to, generally younger, generations of fans.
There were people in the audience this evening who were (quite vocally!) there to see Hannah because they follow her on TikTok - but they also became immersed in the world of theatre and, even if subconsciously, left Birmingham Hippodrome tonight a little bit more in love with the medium.
However, please don't think that online 'fame' is the only reason Lowther was cast in the show. She is a brilliant performer with a vocal ability and energy which is second to none. She's a hard-working, blossoming talent who is an absolute joy to watch - and who will be leading West End casts single-handedly in no time.
She should also be crowned queen of the costume change because the amount of them she has to do during this show is a workout on its own!
All in all, The Spongebob Musical is a show I've fallen in love with. This cast are outstanding, the show is magical and the whole production is a perfect mix of infectious enthusiasm and a vocal masterclass that will give you goosebumps across your entire body.
It’s a silly, funny, laugh-out-loud riot that’s everything the world need’s right now. Quite honestly, if six stars was a thing, I wouldn't hesitate to award them.
The Spongebob Musical plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 15th April 2023. For more information, or to get your tickets, head to birminghamhippodrome.com.
