Who lives in a pineapple, under the sea? Altogether now – SpongeBob SquarePants!

Curtain Call Creative have delivered us a blast of a show this bank holiday, with the youth edition of the Broadway musical based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon series.  Medina Theatre is transformed into an underwater kingdom, with dancing jellyfish, singing sardines and a whole lot of wholesome fun.

Our hero, SpongeBob – played superbly by Maise Walker-Green with oodles of charisma and positivity – is enjoying life in the ocean with a lively young cast of sea creatures, when the day is interrupted by worrying tremors. A nearby volcano mountain is about to erupt, threatening the future of the town. Residents begin to panic – the end of Bikini Bottom is nigh! Can SpongeBob and his friends Sandy Cheeks (Matilda Squibb on top form) and Patrick Star (terrifically played by Charlie Dickson) save the day? Or will the evil Planktons get their way?

This is no easy production to stage and to sing, with the musical numbers composed by a variety of artists ranging from Plain White T’s to Cyndi Lauper and Panic! At the Disco. Particularly difficult are the rap rhythms during “When the Going Gets Tough” – but CCC don’t shy away from a challenge! Ably directed by Katie Walker-Green, who clearly knows how to get the best out of a talented group of kids, and with vocal coach Indra Riches, the cast tackled the musical numbers with enthusiasm, ably supported by the excellent live orchestra. It’s also great to see young people fully involved in the creative team, with Enid Rees (assisted by younger sister Jemima) making her choreographic debut.

There are so many highlights to mention: including the sequins, the roller skating, and the tap dancing (with four feet) being just a few. The protests demanding “Land mammals go home” and a stylish French narrator (Polly Careless) seemed almost topical. Attention to detail was evident throughout: Freddie Nixon as Mr Krabs had a particularly fine method of exiting the stage.  When best mates SpongeBob and Patrick sang “BFF” the joy felt in the theatre seemed like the very heart of the show. But every optimistic song was balanced with the grumpy pessimism of Squidward, played with relish by Noah Walker-Green, and the evil laughter of the Planktons (Thomas Dangerfield and Bali Harris).

If you’re already a SpongeBob fan there are loads of nods to your favourite show (“Is mayonnaise an instrument? Another day, another migraine. Lemon scented.”). But even if you’re a stranger to the ‘simple sponge’ the cheerful enthusiasm of this brilliant, colourful, ensemble cast will be sure to get you clapping along.

Reviewed by Vix Lowthian