The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition
Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book by Kyle Jarrow
Produced by The Court Theatre
Directed by Tim Bain
Musical direction by Caelan Thomas
Choreography by Hillary Moulder
Until 13 July
Duration: 60 minutes
Reviewed by Kineta Knight

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As we drove to the theatre there was excited chatter coming from the backseat of the car as my two 10-year-old “plus ones” were discussing how this show was even possible to stage: Which SpongeBob episode will it be? How would the actors be able to emulate the cartoon characters’ voices? Will SpongeBob be dressed in a massive sponge? And the questions continued.

Fortunate enough to have seen all the kids shows at The Court Theatre since 2016, when even as an 18-month-old it was a source of joy subtly watching my little sidekick’s face as he enjoyed the performances, but for him this production was something else.

He said, “I’d give it a solid 4.5/5. It would have been a 5 if my favourite actor had come on at the end as the snail and said…” Spoiler alert.

There were also rumblings about the seats being too close together, but we can’t have everything.

The narrative follows the familiar structure of the Broadway original. A looming volcanic eruption threatens the very existence of Bikini Bottom, and while others fall into panic or self-interest, SpongeBob refuses to believe all is lost. What unfolds is a story of courage, friendship, and optimism.

Working with two youth casts of 31 – Pink Cast and Green Cast, the creative team had an unenviable job on their hands, and with it being the first kids show in the new theatre, it also had to be a good one. And it was.

In fact, this production is pretty spectacular. Nigh on tenfold to any other kids show The Court has produced over the past decade. That’s certainly not negating any other show, more so highlighting the grandeur of this one.

Everything about it is mesmerising. Vibrancy on a grand scale. From the use of moving graphics on a drop cloth and clever lighting design (Geoff Nunn), to the electrifying set (Rosie Gilmore) and exceptional costuming (Tracey Hollands) – both of which were leading characters in their own right, these elements worked in perfect unison to bring Bikini Bottom to life.

It is absolutely clear that there is excellent leadership at the helm of this production. Managing 62 young people, a production team, the first large-scale kids show The Court has ever produced – and SpongeBob, at that! A loveable character to so many young people. No easy feat. But director Tim Bain is most certainly the creative of the moment and the company is fortunate to have him on staff.

[VIDEO: THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION / SUPPLIED]

The Pink Cast was the one we were lucky enough to see, with talent galore. It was clear from the outset that every single member of the cast earned their right in the spotlight on The Court’s main stage. Incredible opportunities for such young performers. And I’m here for it.

Eddie Keenan (SpongeBob Squarepants) is an engaging actor who leads the production with an impressive presence and infectious charm. Keenan’s BFF duo with Ben Camm (Patrick) was a sweet number performed beautifully.

Camm’s comic timing is spot on and he brings a softness and warmth to Patrick that makes his loyalty to SpongeBob feel deeply genuine. It was a joy to watch Camm develop his character throughout the show.

When Eden Taylor (Sandy Cheeks), a delightful actor with a lovely voice, joins Keenan and Camm in Hero is My Middle Name, this is one of the many times a musical director’s (Caelan Thomas) work shines – in the harmonies. (That and all the full ensemble numbers!)

Benjamin Cumberpatch (Plankton) commanded the stage with ease in When the Going Gets Tough through song and exciting choreography (Hillary Moulder). Cumberpatch, together with Ava Dravitski (Karen) make for a perfect pair of baddies.

And Alex Johnston had the characterisation of Squidward down to a tee, and negotiated the awkwardness of his superb costume beautifully.

There really are so many excellent moments, dozens more notable mentions (like how fabric and a fan can create the most elegant jellyfish) and big company numbers to rave about, but this really is just one of those shows you need to see to appreciate every minute spent in production and rehearsing for this splendid choice of school holiday entertainment for the new Court.