The SpongeBob Musical – Youth Edition

What a treat!  This fantastic production by the DOS Student Academy was a glorious romp through the underwater town of Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob and his friends.  Seeing a production with no idea of the characters or storyline was done with trepidation,  but what was instore was a wonderful extravaganza of fun.  Originally a cartoon animation on Nickelodean channel, the series became one of the world’s most loved children’s TV shows following the funny adventures of SpongeBob and his friends.  The show featured colourful characters and big-hearted humour which is deliverable in cartoon form - transferring that to the stage is a huge challenge especially for children, but they rose to the challenge so wonderfully, making the audience laugh with their impressive character creations and feisty musical numbers.

The story follows the citizens of Bikini Bottom as they discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their home.  The friends come together to control their own fate and, in the process, a most unexpected hero is identified showing that optimism really can save the day!  Within the show each song is written by a different person (most writers being successful artists) so each of the songs is unique,  but they still work well together and it is great that many of the key characters have their own number.  This production was perfectly cast with each of the young performers bringing these well-known characters to life in an individual way, so there was lots to keep the audience interested.

Sophie W was a larger-than-life presence on stage as she played the optimistic yellow sea sponge, Spongebob, who lives in an underwater pineapple.  Great comedy from Sophie in this central role.   Sophie I was a delight in the role of Patrick Star, best friend to Spongebob.   Izzy played Squidward Q Tentacles with a wonderful physicality and presentation.  Emma was a very confident Sandy Cheeks, the squirrel, and along with other cast members presented the songs ‘Hero is My Middle Name’ and ‘Chop to the Top’ with high energy and a real zest for performing.  Grace as Sheldon J Plankton and Maisie as Karen Plankton were a great pairing as they tried to undo the positive community of Bikini Bottom.   Grace did a fabulous job of a male presenting character and mastered the voice superbly.  Ollie as Eugene Krabs and Ebonie as Pearl Krabs were super.  Ollie had a fabulous stage presence and Ebonie was very confident and assured on stage.

Jasper as Old Man Jenkins had the audience in hysterics – such a fabulous persona created by this young man as he leant on his walking stick and showed a very cantankerous side.  Larry the Lobster (Sebastian) was a cheerful presence on stage.  Matilda and Izzy as the Mayor and Perch Perkins both added to the story line, along with the Electric Skates, Sardine Devotees and Town Fish the whole company were lively, colourful and projected confident singing in the many company numbers. 

Movement and dance was really enjoyable and it was great to see such a range of techniques including a fabulous tap number ‘I’m Not a Loser’.  The choreography was strong throughout and ‘Bikini Bottom Boogie’ was especially enjoyable.

The production ended with a wonderful rendition of the television series’ iconic theme tune which was much appreciated by the audience.  There was a clear message of the importance of friendship and team work, emphasising that we are stronger together - all of which was shared with the audience of young and old with great enthusiasm and conviction.

Set, props and costumes had been produced in house and were fantastic.  It was amazing to see the quality of the wigs and costumes which the young performers had the opportunity to wear.  Sound and light was to a high standard and the set included a smoking volcano.   The investment from this Society in giving the young cast resources equivalent to their adult company demonstrates just how important they feel youth theatre is and this is to be commended.   Lots of the cast were taking their first major role and their management of the characterisation across every part was amazing.  The Student Academy go from strength to strength with each show developing on the last – they are a delight to watch.

Congratulations to the production team who have worked hard to create something which was enjoyable for both adults and children.  Director Louise Selden, Musical Director Gail Cobb, Choreographer Catherine Enos should be commended for pulling off another fantastic production and giving the children and young people of DOS Student Academy such a great opportunity.  Well done to everyone involved for giving the audience a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

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