The pineapple under the sea is currently located in the Grand Opera House in Belfast, and the residents of Bikini Bottom have all come along in this feel-good, musical spin-off of the well-loved Nickelodeon animated TV Series.
Lewis Cornay, who shines as Bikini Bottom’s hero, does an amazing job of bringing the animated sponge to life on the stage, with a contagious smile, endless energy and outstanding vocals, all while maintaining the iconic voice of SpongeBob SquarePants. He is joined on his mission to save their underwater town by Irfan Damani as the instantly loveable and hilarious starfish BFF, Patrick Star. The heroic trio is completed with Chrissie Bhima, who wows as Sandy Cheeks, the clever, karate-chopping squirrel from Texas.
Divina De Campo is superb as the devious and plotting Plankton, the egotistical sea-bed villain who plans to stop the Bikini Bottom heroes from saving their home.
Taking on the role of the ever-pessimistic Squidward Tentacles during the show’s time in Belfast is musical superstar Gareth Gates, who endears audience members as the clarinet-playing next-door neighbour who dreams of his chance at musical stardom. Gates dazzles particularly in the second act’s number, ‘I’m not a Loser’, featuring a toe-tapping, tap-dancing sequence.
The catchy songs will have you dancing in your seat, with an original soundtrack written by a wide range of phenomenal artists, including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Cyndi Lauper, and many more.
Every cast member brings an abundance of energy to the stage, creative and brilliant choreography, as well as a wide range of outstanding voices.
The entire production is vibrant and bold, from the spectacular, colourful costumes, to the eye-catching and funky set design.
SpongeBob the Musical portrays the importance of friendship, and what can be achieved when communities work together, as well as demonstrating bravery in the face of adversity. Just like in the TV series, the main message of positivity that comes across in the musical production is to live life to the fullest.
Playing until Saturday evening in the Grand Opera House, this is a must-SEA for all the family.
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