As anyone who has ever watched an episode of SpongeBob Squarepants on the small screen will know, it's a pretty wild ride. The nautical nonsense of the cartoon characters has now been transported to the stage as a musical and I can confirm it is just as bonkers if not more so.
For those thinking this sort of thing is just for the kids, then think again. The audience is packed with adults in their own cosplay-style interpretations of SpongeBob's bold yellow and pink colouring.
The yellow sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea clearly had a lasting impression on a whole generation of fans growing up who want to revel in the fun in adult life too. They are rewarded with a bold and bonkers musical with innovative costumes and stagecraft, which is bulging with original songs by some of the world's biggest music acts.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
The show here at Manchester Opera House this week, is given an earlier-than-usual start time of 7pm to cater for those who are taking younger fans of the Nickelodeon characters. So it was disappointing on opening night for 'technical difficulties' to stall the start by a not insignificant 25 minutes.
It meant for me, along with plenty of other parents in the audience, having to leave before the end of the show with this being a school night I'm afraid. There were also a fair few technical issues with the sound on opening night with feedback and mics cutting out.
That aside, you cannot fail to appreciate the commitment of the cast who perform never less than full pelt to bring these zany adventures to life.
Leading man Lewis Cornay brings the squeaky naivety of SpongeBob to life in a lovely performance, alongside his trusty friend Patrick Star, played with charming innocence by Irfan Damani.
Meanwhile grouchy neighbour Squidward (my particular favourite in the cartoon series) is hilariously brought to life by Tom Read Wilson with a great stage outfit of extra squiddy legs. My seven-year-old boy was entranced with his every movement.
The plot revolves around a crisis in Bikini Bottom as a volcano is about to erupt. Villainous Plankton (brought to brilliant, dastardly life by Divina de Campo as you've never seen them before) is up to no good, trying to thwart the plans, and push the fishy community towards their own Chum Bucket restaurant instead of rival The Krusty Krab.
Bringing it all together are a load of rather silly, overblown songs that will make you titter. Highlights for me were SpongeBob's heartfelt (Just a) Simple Sponge with stunning sponge choreography (a phrase I never thought I'd write).
Then there's the pounding thud of Plankton's When The Going Gets Tough, complete with excellent dance grooves alongside their Karen and the SpongeBob company.
It all reminded me of a crazy 1950s B-movie in its styling which is no bad thing. While the plotline was able to convey topical messages that will prompt many a wry laugh from the older members of the audience too.
You will probably want to have had more than a passing knowledge of SpongeBob (either yourself or vicariously through your kids) to thoroughly enjoy this musical though. Otherwise you might wonder what wild fever dream you are seeing play out over two hours on stage here.
The SpongeBob musical is at Manchester Opera House until May 21.
- New home for Oldham Coliseum theatre company promised
- Manchester's £210m Factory Internationl announces food and drink partners
- The Manchester restaurants hailed among best newcomers of the year
- The village tearooms run by Corrie legend's wife - with queues for her amazing cakes
- King and I musical halted after incident off stage
