Nickelodeon The SpongeBob Musical

Wow, what a coup for the Young Performers, one of the first productions to be performed in the UK before its national professional release later this year.  The company made a pretty good fist of it too.

Set in the undersea city of Bikini Bottom, the various sea creatures are threatened by the imminent eruption of a nearby volcano.  Our hero, SpongeBob spearheads the locals attempt to stop the potential disaster. 

The show relies heavily on the performance of SpongeBob, and Finlay Tomlinson played the role superbly.  For such a young person his confidence in acting and delivery of songs shone through.  He was well supported by his sidekick Patrick, played with self-assurance by Evan Del Gaudio.  Another good performance came from Neve Johnson as Sandy, and Ella Charlesworth as Squid was excellent.  The baddies, William Mellor and Millie Weston as Plankton and Karen, were suitably nasty.   I liked Drew Boswell as Perch Perkins, the local radio presenter, who maintained a droll manner throughout.  Other creditable displays came from Lewis McDowall as Mr Krabs and Summer McNorton as Pearl, not forgetting Patchy played by Freddie Cutts.

There were many characters, too numerous to mention, who added to the story.  But the whole company, in the guise of many different creatures with colourful and creative costumes, deserve great praise for their enthusiast approach to the many musical numbers and the lively dance routines.

Despite a few lighting and sound issues, that I`m sure will be sorted, this was an enjoyable musical enhanced by an excellent live band and a very effective set.

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