SUMMARY

Rating: ★★★★

Running Dates: 6 June 2023 - 10 June 2023

Where to see it: Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff

Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (including interval)

Keywords: Energetic, Captivating, Hilarious, Wholesome

An energetic, captivating, astounding performance starring Pop Idol Gareth Gates, Ru-Paul’s Drag Race legend Divina De Campo and music by international superstars such as Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and songs by David Bowie.

It’s a throwback to your childhood, it’s an evening full of insane energy, good music and vibes, it’s excellent choreography and passionate actors giving their 100% - The SpongeBob Musical is a bit of everything! From the start of the show, I was mesmerised. The costumes are beautiful and the set is so well done (Krusty Krab, Chum Bucket and the Volcano were especially detailed). However, the real stars of the musical are its actors - and each one of them have given their all to the show, and it definitely shows. Watch out for Sandy Cheeks who is so strong and self-assured, but also has her moments of doubt and feeling like she doesn’t quite belong. This is portrayed so beautifully by Chrissie Bhima. Irfan Damani as a goofy Patrick Star is also such a delight to watch, as is Lewis Cornay as SpongeBob SquarePants. The chemistry between Patrick Star and SpongeBob SquarePants feels tangible and real, and is just a pleasure to watch.

The musical is a wholesome family entertainer and the audience - children, grandparents and all adults alike enjoyed it. I appreciated how the show organisers kept the children in the audience engaged even during the start of the show, managing to convey that this is not just a musical, but an experience. Truly, the energy in the air was palpable and we were left feeling that childlike sense of enthusiasm about the world and the incredible energy which the cast and crew managed to convey throughout.

Special props for the high octane choreography and music - the lyrics by Jonathan Coulton really shone through. The musicians tucked away in the background was a lovely touch as well. Not to give any spoilers away, but my favourite part of the musical was SpongeBob’s solo…with the sponges.

The first half builds the suspense to the point of eruption (pun absolutely intended), but the second half is my favourite - it had a lot more jokes, good writing and a feel good, uplifting ending to it.

Overall I left the musical grinning from ear to ear, my heart filled with good music, energy and vibes. I’d definitely recommend this show for its beautiful choreography, visual effects and just the insane energy of its cast and crew.

Standout Moment: SpongeBob’s solo performance, with the sponges!

See if: You enjoy a wholesome entertainment, with some nostalgia run thrown in for good effect

Similar Plays: Shrek the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors

Last Impression: Incredible insane energy of the cast, I’m still grinning!

Written by Vaishali Venkatesh Prasad