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Embark on an adventure to Bikini Bottom and see the yellow sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea- An experience worth cherishing!
Walking into the Wales Millennium Centre to see The SpongeBob Musical, I had reservations about what I was about to experience. The diverse crowd, consisting of enthusiastic children and adults dressed in elaborate costumes, suggested that the production would primarily cater to a younger audience. However, I remained hopeful that it would still be enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
As a former SpongeBob fan, I was genuinely curious to see how the much-loved character would be adapted for the stage, considering my familiarity with the show and its movies. Especially as I have already seen the musical had already gained popularity on Broadway, so I curious to see what was its formula for success.
To my pleasant surprise, The SpongeBob Musical, featuring renowned Pop Idol legend Gareth Gates and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Divina de Campo, exceeded all expectations!
Lewis Cornay, the lead actor, brought SpongeBob’s endearing innocence to life in a flawless performance. Alongside him, Irfan Damani’s portrayal of SpongeBob’s comical and lovable friend Patrick Star had the audience roaring with laughter.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”30378″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Gareth Gates hilariously embodied the grouchy neighbor Squidward, donning an impressive stage outfit complete with extra squiddy legs. Gates portrayed the character with a delightful charm, leaving the entire audience eagerly awaiting his long-awaited solo performance and hoping to witness the singing prowess that we loved since his Pop Idol days
The plot revolves around a crisis in Bikini Bottom, with an impending volcanic eruption. The villainous, evil mastermind Plankton, portrayed brilliantly and dastardly by Divina de Campo in a whole new light, plots to sabotage the community’s plans and steer them toward his Chum Bucket restaurant instead of the rival Krusty Krab.
The musical is tied together by a collection of wonderfully silly and exaggerated songs, contributed by a vast array of international music artists such as Panic at the Disco, John Legend, and even David Bowie. A personal highlight for me was “We Only Have Tomorrow” by The Flaming Lips.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”30377″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
The production maintained the zany antics and styling of the original cartoon, which was a delightful aspect. And the storyline managed to convey topical messages that elicited wry laughter from the more mature members of the audience.
To thoroughly enjoy this musical, it would be helpful to have a solid understanding of SpongeBob (either from your own childhood or through your kids). Otherwise, you may find yourself wondering if you’ve stumbled into a wild and bonkers fever dream playing out on stage for two hours.
But like i said, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Bikini Bottom. The SpongeBob Musical exceeded expectations and provided an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. It successfully captured the essence of the beloved cartoon while incorporating catchy songs and talented performances that left everyone in high spirits. Whether you’re a longtime SpongeBob fan or simply looking for a fun-filled musical adventure with your family, this production is bound to leave you with a smile on your face.
You can catch SpongeBob at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay until the 10th June. – Ticket via the box office
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