Review: The SpongeBob Musical – Allegro

Those unaware of Nickelodeon’s world-dominating SpongeBob Squarepants have presumably been living under a rock since before 1999 when the animated aquatic clown made his debut. However, 14 seasons of animated shorts, longer specials and an expanding catalogue of movies seem to have left little to make a musical with.

All the usual residents of Bikini Bottom are present and correct. SpongeBob (Joe Purcell) aside, there are his friends: trusty sidekick and gormless starfish, Patrick Star (Stuart Williamson), plus Sandy Cheeks (Coast Kinloch) a karate-chopping, scientifically-minded squirrel. At the Krusty Krab diner where SpongeBob works, we meet Squidward (Harrison Owens), a crotchety fast-food serving octopus, Mr. Krabs (Russel Coid), an avaricious crab, and his adopted daughter Sperm Whale, Pearl (Rosie Sugrue).

As always, the Allegro cast exceeds expectations for an amateur company. Purcell makes a perky, endearing hero with just about the right voice, whilst newcomer Kinloch deploys frankly spectacular vocal ability. Owens also captures Squidward’s brand of many-legged misanthropy to a T. The show itself might be underbaked, but Allegro never takes the stage knowingly underprepared.

“As always, the Allegro cast exceeds expectations for an amateur company.”

Are their species clear from their mannerisms and costuming? In most cases not, with the notable exception of Squidward’s clever multi-leg augmentation. However, with such well-known subject matter, it’s eminently sensible of Allegro not to sink a bucket of money into making everyone look like their animal. The attire of each is still distinct, bright and fun. Kudos also, to whichever Allegro smartypants outsourced the majority of the set to an impressive LED screen and some excellent quality animated projections. It’s visually impressive, and leaves the stage clear for the large cast needed to put the show on.

On the other hand, the sound design is a little less sharp than we’ve come to expect from Allegro. With nearly every song being a ‘big’ number, the cracking band under Louise Everett warms to the task, but it’s a musical tide which threatens to submerge some lyrics entirely. Still, when the sea-stars (and mixing board) align (sorry), Allegro really delivers the goods.

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However, despite the company’s characteristic flair, enthusiasm, and ever-impressive supply of vocal talents, there’s only so much anyone could do with Kyle Jarrow’s shallow book, and a songbook cobbled together from a smorgasbord of celebrity compositions.

The story, such as it is, opens upon Bikini Bottom facing iminent destruction thanks to a grumbling volcano. Whilst Mr. Krabs and his planktonic nemesis, the villainous Sheldon J Plankton (Robbie Noble) compete to take most advantage of the doomsday panic, SpongeBob tries to help. Sandy thinks she has a ‘scientific’ solution, but the locals promptly scapegoat the immigrant mammal for their troubles. Elsewhere, Patrick’s particular brand of stupidity makes him an unlikely guru for some catastrophe-addled sardines.

“However, despite the company’s characteristic flair, enthusiasm, and ever-impressive supply of vocal talents, there’s only so much anyone could do with Kyle Jarrow’s shallow book…”

It’s a sprawling narrative which doesn’t so much progress as wallow in a continual swirl of vignettes. The attempts at social satire seem entirely subservient to the need to fit offerings from everyone from The Flaming Lips to Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and Sara Bareilles into the show’s 2+ hours. Aside from Jonathan Coulton’s bespoke ‘Bikini Bottom Day’, most are competently composed odes to self-belief and friendship. It’s not bad, and the combined Allegro talents sing the absolute cr*p out of every note, but the songs don’t do much for the plot.

Plus, when Plankton and PVC-enrobed ally Karen the Computer periodically slide onto stage, matters begin to feel like a pantomime. Yes, there’s a strong helping of SpongeBob’s particular brand of good-natured comedy along the way, but there are no surprises.

Nevertheless, The SpongeBob Musical, as delivered by Allegro is a big, fun night out at the theatre. No, it’s not a great musical, but there’s enough in this Allegro production to get you laughing and bopping along.

Featured Image: Joe Purcell as SpongeBob Squarepants – provided by Allegro