Spongebob The Musical
Information
- Date
- 4th August 2024
- Society
- BATS Next Gen
- Venue
- Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Owen White
- Musical Director
- Tori Eglin
- Choreographer
- Hollie Parkes, Ryan Stevens
The Spongebob Musical is a fun, colourful musical based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg and book by Kyle Jarrow. We were transported to a magical undersea world; the land of Bikini Bottom. The inhabitants’ lives are threatened when the volcano is about to erupt. Spongebob, who lives in a pineapple, must draw the community together to form a plan on how to prevent the destruction of Bikini Bottom.
The set was fantastic and, because of the musical being relatively new, BNG worked with set construction company ‘Scenic Solutions’ to create a set specific to BNG’s requirements which were a multi level frame with movable ‘tower’ to enable swift scene changes with maximum dramatic impact. The frame was dressed with recycled items on the marine theme such as nets, anchors and beach toys. The props were amazing ranging from Gary the Snail (who moved on a skateboard), the jellyfish umbrellas, the BFF blocks and many, many more!
The costumes, hair and make up were all excellent and in keeping with the characters and these ranged from the pirates, to Spongebob’s recognisable colours and Squidward’s four legged trousers were impressive (and probably difficult to get used to!). The burger costume was a feat of engineering and the sardines outstanding. I loved the great attention to detail such as the pink laces in the tap shoes and the super sardines! The make-up and wigs, complemented the colourful outfits such as the grey green hair of Squidward and pink haired Patrick!
The lighting, sound and special effects were very effective: the movement of the platform when the mayor arrived, the bubbles over the auditorium, and the lights in groups of small arcs (suggesting shells) changing colour, created the appropriate atmosphere for the action such as the thunderous rumbling of the volcano erupting.
The production This show is relatively new and the first time I’d see it so I had no idea what to expect. The premise of ‘a story set under the sea about a sponge who lives in a pineapple’ sounded like a lot of fun – and it was! The principals were amazing: Scarlett Boyle in the title role, was full of bouncy physicality; Squidward, played by Edward Walton, the four-legged squid who dreams of stardom on the stage had just the right amount of dour gloom and hopeful optimism. Patrick Star (Imy Tickle) was delightful and had great chemistry with ‘Bob’. The stage was full of talent throughout the entire show; the ensemble and supporting cast delivered a variety of genres of music ranging from Aerosmith to Cyndi Lauper with clarity and were in time with one another and the music. The choreography too ranged in style from contemporary to tap and was delivered with panache and style. The story, although ultimately uplifting, told of loneliness, dreams, prejudice, friendship and the power of community. With a dedicated and immensely hard- working creative team led by Owen White as Director, this was a clever, crazy and family friendly show from which it was impossible to leave without a smile on your face. Another huge success for BNG and an evening of never-ending joy and endless energy, Well done everyone.
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