Starting in Bradford, Wilson will play the role of Squidward on selected locations – his role to be alternated with other television celebrity Gareth Jones. With songs by some of the most iconic pop and rock songwriters of the last decade, the show features all of the beloved characters from the international hit series, in a new adventure that will prove the power of friendship and optimism.
“I knew I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed today.” Well, perhaps it’s time for Squiward to lighten up a bit (but only just enough, we don’t want him to lose his natural charm). Whatever the case, the thing is that today producers have announced a new addition to their Bikini Bottom family. Known for playing the receptionist on Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating, television celebrity Tom Read Wilson will make a splash as the bitter eight-armed cashier, playing the role in Bradford, Manchester, Sheffield, Peterborough, Wolverhampton, Leicester and Aberdee.
The cast is completed by Lewis Cornay as SpongeBob, Irfan Damani as Patrick, Chrissie Bhima as Sandy, Richard J Hunt as Mr Krabs, Sarah Freer as Pearl, Eloise Davies as Mrs Puff, Hannah Lowther as Karen and Rebecca Lisewski as Mayor. They are joined by Sam Beveridge, Jeremiah Olaleye, Eleanor Turiansky, Rhys Batten and Reece Kerridge. On the other hand, as previously announced, Gareth Gates will also play the role of Squidward when the show comes to Southampton, Birmingham, Oxford, Dublin, Belfast, Cardiff, Blackpool and Norwich.
Based on the internationally followed TV hit series by Stephen Hillenburg, the show revolves around the discovery of a volcano that’s due to erupt soon. Using their optimism as their strongest weapon, it will be up to Spongebob and his friends to come together and save their home underwater home from complete destruction. Produced by Showpath Entertainment, the creative team is formed by director Tara Overfield Wilkinson, choreographer Fabian Aloise, designer Steve Howell, musical supervisor Mark Crossland, musical director Marcus Carter-Adams and costume designer Sarah Mercade, among others.
The Spongebob Musical will open at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on Wednesday 5 April 2023, which will be followed by an extensive national tour. Tickets are available on the following link.
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