THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
Tyne Theatre and Opera House
★★★
“has the potential to keep its head above water”
It’s hard to deny that The Spongebob Musical at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House has the makings of a fun-loving spectacle, with all the heart the show should be filled with. Perhaps the essence of this production is best summarised through the valiant effort of an ensemble actor in the show’s last number, smiling and waving whilst fighting the cruel wrath of an uncooperative confetti cannon.
As a fangirling pirate with a smart phone is tackled by security and the curtain on Spongebob rises, it is easy to feel a little underwhelmed by the production’s tightly packed set which lacks dressing above its decking or much dynamic creativity. However, the audience is immediately assured that our lead, Ben Stoddart has the physicality and conviction of a powerhouse lead. Stoddart plays the naïveity and optimism of the cartoon protagonist with great strength, and his energy keeps up the pace with the high demands of the show. Finn Younger (Plankton) also plays a refreshingly villainous antithesis to Stoddart’s excitable persona and is costumed excellently.
It is a shame that the clear enthusiasm and passion of performers is drowned consistently out by the poor blocking of ensemble and supporting cast, who fill the stage so much that director, Sonia Hernandez, has no choice but to flood the audience with people at most given moments. Don’t get me wrong, the puppet jellyfish light up the audience with a magical childlike charm but after a while the constant entrances and exits through the aisles become more predictable and distracting than exciting and interactive. Often it feels that SpongeBob’s ensemble cast lack clear blocking, and any good line delivery is undersold by poor microphone management which is slow off the mark. The cast’s impressive vocals and engaging ensemble numbers are frequently too quiet to be clearly heard or appreciated. I can imagine that this might be difficult for younger audience members to understand and stay focused on.
The production does have it’s dazzling moments. Squidward, played by Corey Clarke, is a highly talented actor who is supported by a brilliant team of tap-dancing sea anemones for ‘I’m Not a Loser’. The sparse staging and tight choreography make for the best part of the show. Squidward’s costuming and vocal ability is standout, as well as Kate Walker’s stellar choreography for this song.
Jenn Wagstaff’s musical direction of the pit band keep the production moving and provide toe-tapping highs through the show. Overall, many actors show shining vocal promise – Devon Dolman as Pearl and Carol-Ann McConnellogue as Sandy Cheeks are both particularly enjoyable in solo choruses and verses. The overall main cast and ensemble do however struggle to maintain consistently high-quality harmonies and mixing, despite lovely moments of cohesion in songs like ‘Finale’ and ‘Bikini Bottom Day’.
Overall, kids seem most engaged when this production pushes the boat out creatively with props and special effects like bubbles and inflatables, and the show shines best where movement and comedy are supported well with controlled sound operation and direction. With a bit more rehearsal and attention to detail with regards to technical aspects and blocking, The Spongebob Musical at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House has the potential to keep its head above water just that little bit more.
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Reviewed on 18th February 2026
by Molly Knox
