Cartoon favourite SpongeBob Square pants washes up onto Norwich Theatre Playhouse stage in local theatre company’s, Sound Ideas, version on The SpongeBob Musical.
We sat down with the show’s stars, Casey Divall and James Bell, to discuss playing these nautical misfits from the celebrated TV series, rehearsals, and what sponges they would be?!
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Casey: I play SpongeBob in Sound Idea’s production of SpongeBob the Musical! You may see me around locally in shows, either as a Musical Director or Performer! Or if you’re luckier, you may see me do both, like I do in this show! Sleep is for the weak, right? I’m in my last year of music college, and I can’t wait to see where the wind takes me over the next few years.
James: I started performing at the age of 8 in my youth theatre company. I studied Drama and English at the University of Lincoln and have performed in several theatrical productions in Norfolk. And I play the villain Plankton!
How did you get involved in Sound Ideas?
Casey: I got involved with Sound Ideas with their last pantomime, Jack & The Beanstalk, as the title role. I fell in love with the company and haven’t left.
James: I first performed with Sound Ideas in their production of Jerry Springer: The Opera last year, and it’s been a pleasure to work with the company again.
Can you describe the show?
James: The SpongeBob Musical is a love letter to the original cartoon and to musical theatre itself. It tells an original story but also pays tribute to the source material. Whether you love the cartoon or have never seen it before, you’ll have a lot of fun watching the stage show!
How do you keep a straight face when you see your friends as beloved cartoon characters?
Casey: It’s not the easiest job. You just have to close your eyes for a second and immerse yourself in the world. The crazy costumes and characters are the reality of my characters; you are just as silly as them.
James: It can be very challenging, given the talent and comedic chops of my cast-mates, but I try to stay grounded in whatever moment of the show we find ourselves in and do my best not to corpse.
What is your favourite moment at the show?
Casey: Our act one finale, Tomorrow, is without a doubt! It’s a beautiful song, with some awfully high tenor parts and just incredibly arranged suspended harmony.
James: Maybe I’m biased, but I love Plankton’s musical number – When The Going Gets Tough. It’s always great fun to play the villain, particularly when they get their own song.
James: I love to find new ways of performing my lines while rehearsing a scene or musical number. It’s refreshing to work on a show as energetic as this one, and I always hold onto my sense of creativity and freedom to explore.
What is your favourite rehearsal moment?
Casey: Our warm ups; singing about Oreos.
How excited are you to perform at the Playhouse?
Casey: Very excited indeed! I’ve been there once in the orchestra pit for The Good Enough Mums Club UK Tour, but never as an actor. Should be fun.
James: Very! The Playhouse is a brilliant theatre to perform in, and I can’t wait to tread the boards on their stage again.
How do you unwind after a show?
Casey: I’ve been getting into more chill sports recently, whether it be watching the football, going for a swim, or just a nice little paddleboard on the broads.
James: I like enjoying a drink with my cast-mates… and hearing audience members talk about the show as they come out of the theatre!
Are you squid-ding me? Quick-fire questions
Is nautical nonsense something you wish?
Casey: Who would I be if I said no?! Of course!
James: Absolutely – particularly if it involves a bottle of rum.
If you could live in a surprising object under the sea, what would it be and why?
Casey: To be honest, I’d love to live under Patrick’s rock, absolutely void of all responsibilities in the world. Relaxing all day – ah, lovely.
James: Instead of a pineapple, I’ll take a leaf out of Roald Dahl’s book and go for a giant peach – I could live inside the stone at the peach’s centre!
If SpongeBob could live off any coast in Norfolk, which would it be and why?
James: I think it would be Sea Palling – plenty of sandy beach to run around and sunbathe on, and a shop to buy ice creams! It’d suit SpongeBob down to the ground.
Casey: I think he should be on display at the SEALIFE Centre in Great Yarmouth!
What is your favourite sponge?
James: Does a chocolate sponge cake count?
Casey: Angel sponge cake.
The SpongeBob Musical is at Norwich Theatre Playhouse between 9 – 13 Oct. All of SpongeBob’s friends will be there Patrick Star, Sandy, Squidward, Mr Krabs, Plankton and even Gary the snail!
For more information or to book, see below or call our Box Office on 01603 630 000.
