The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

WBLETS (the junior branch of WBLOS) returned to the stage with their colourful, wacky and utterly joyous production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, and what a brilliant, feel-good afternoon it turned out to be! Performed by around forty young people of mixed ages and abilities, this was a perfect example of what this group does so well: bringing the whole community together, showcasing talent at every level, and reminding us all how much fun musical theatre can be.

For anyone unfamiliar with the story: Bikini Bottom is facing total destruction as a volcano threatens to erupt and wipe out the whole town. The ever-optimistic SpongeBob, joined by his best friend Patrick and the clever Sandy Cheeks, sets out on a mission to save everyone. Along the way, we meet all the characters fans know and love – and a few new faces too.

And what a cast of characters!

SpongeBob SquarePants – At the heart of the show, our SpongeBob really carried it all with boundless energy and warmth. His voice was cheerfully squeaky and wonderfully close to the cartoon we all know, and it made every line feel instantly recognisable. Being on stage for so much of the running time is no easy task, yet he made it look effortless: leading big musical numbers, holding the audience’s attention, and giving that childlike optimism that makes SpongeBob so loveable. He was believable as the hero of the piece while keeping the goofy, loveable charm that defines the character.

 

Patrick Star – Instantly likeable from their very first scene. Patrick had the perfect laid-back, lazy vibe but always stayed engaged with the action, striking a great balance between dozy best friend and loyal companion. Their comic timing worked brilliantly, especially in group scenes, and there was a real warmth that shone through, making the friendship with SpongeBob feel completely genuine. It’s not easy to play “lazy” in a way that stays funny and sweet rather than overdone, but Patrick nailed it.

 

Sandy Cheeks – Sandy really impressed, especially with her singing voice, which felt stronger and more confident than ever. She brought both brains and heart to the character: clever enough to help solve the crisis but still part of the friendship dynamic that holds the story together. Her bushy tail poking out of the lab coat added another layer to the character, and in musical moments she was a standout.

 

Sheldon J. Plankton – Every good musical needs a villain, and Plankton did not disappoint. He had the perfect mixture of sneering villainy and comic ridiculousness, playing up Plankton’s grandiose plans with just the right amount of over-the-top swagger. His moments plotting and scheming were clear highlights, giving the show an extra kick of fun whenever he appeared.

 

Karen the Computer  – What a clever bit of characterisation! Karen’s deadpan delivery was hilarious, especially once you realised it was deliberately mimicking the robotic voice from the cartoon. She balanced that dry, sarcastic humour perfectly against Plankton’s manic energy, and together they made a memorable pairing. The audience really warmed to Karen’s unique style, and it was lovely to see such a confident, well-thought-out performance.

 

Squidward – Always a fan favourite for those who love a bit of grumpy sarcasm, and this performance absolutely captured it. Squidward’s sighs, eye rolls and deadpan comments brought some of the biggest laughs, providing a sharp, cynical contrast to SpongeBob’s relentless cheerfulness. The portrayal showed real comic understanding: knowing just how much to exaggerate the gloom without taking away from the fun.

 

Mr Krabs  – Holding onto that distinctive gravelly voice can’t have been easy, but Mr Krabs delivered it well enough for the audience to instantly know who he was. His “ga ga ga ga ga” laugh was spot on and felt like it came right out of the cartoon. He brought out Mr Krabs’ money-obsessed nature in a way that was funny rather than mean, keeping the character loveable even in his greedier moments.

 

Pearl Krabs  – Pearl’s voice was simply fantastic, particularly during “Daddy Knows Best” where she really got to show off her vocal power. She made the most of a role that sometimes risks feeling secondary and turned Pearl into a proper, memorable presence on stage. The contrast between Pearl’s teenage frustration and Mr Krabs’ stubbornness came through clearly and added extra colour to the show.

 

And of course, the many fabulous minor characters who all contributed so much energy and fun: Larry the Lobster, Old Man Jenkins, Mrs Puff, Gary the Snail, The French Narrator, Perch Perkins, the rock-pop group The Electric Skates, plus the whole lively chorus of Krabby Patty Fish, Sardine Devotees, Dance Fish, BFF Letters, the Chorus of Sponges, and the wider Town Fish. Every single performer added something special, and it all built a rich, busy Bikini Bottom that felt alive.

 

Musically, the youth edition sadly leaves out “I Guess I Miss You”, but the opening number remains a real challenge even for experienced groups, and they did it justice. “BFF” stood out for its charm, and “Hero is My Middle Name” was a touching trio that highlighted the friendship and determination of SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy.

 

Direction and choreography were wonderfully pitched. Gary and Eve Devenney’s direction used the space cleverly – including the stage, raised levels, and even entrances from the back of the hall – which kept the audience engaged. Eve’s choreography felt tailored to the wide range of abilities in the cast, never too complicated but always lively and fun. Musical direction by Joshua Gordon and Jess Clapton kept everything tight to the backing tracks, which is no easy feat.

 

Design and production were a triumph: the painted sea-scape backdrop and the volcano looming in the background transformed the hall completely. Costumes were creative and full of personality; only Larry took a second to “click” but even then, it became clear soon enough. And those jellyfish props – umbrellas with silky fabric, lights and ribbon tentacles – were a beautiful, magical highlight.

 

Lighting and sound were smoothly run (by a WBLET too!) who overcame the usual challenges of the venue impressively. It all ran so well that it felt effortless, which is the mark of careful, thoughtful tech work.

 

The audience reaction said it all: lots of laughs, cheers, clapping along, and a sense of shared enjoyment that community theatre at its best always brings. My husband especially enjoyed the drier humour of Squidward and Karen, while I loved seeing the whole cast come together in something so playful and creative.

My personal highlight? The imaginative set and those clever jellyfish props – the sort of detail that shows real love and thought behind the production.

WBLETS have once again shown what makes them special: an inclusive, creative group that lets young people shine, whatever their background or experience. Huge congratulations to every single cast member, the creative team, tech, front of house, and everyone who makes these shows possible. I’ll absolutely be recommending their next production – Aladdin in January 2026, featuring both the junior and adult WBLOS performers.

An absolutely delightful afternoon under the sea – huge well done to everyone involved!

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