Following the show’s incredible success, we caught up with the cast and crew to explore what the experience meant to them and how they made it one of our most sustainable productions yet.

Collaborative Learning

The value of such a large-scale production for our students’ learning experience as their final degree show should not be underestimated. In discussions with our students, it became clear that many valued the wide variety of experiences the show offered. Many highlighted their personal growth, achievements, and especially the close bonds formed between the Musical Theatre and Technical Theatre departments.

What did it mean to you to work on such a large-scale production?

Keely Parry (Musical Theatre student and cast member as Pearl, Security Guards, a Sardine, and Larry the Lobster) praised the sense of community and collaboration:

“My favorite highlight from the show would be ‘I’m Not a Loser’, the tap number we performed. There was great lighting, the dancers knew all the steps, and it was such a communal piece—everyone got to collaborate across music, production, and lighting!”

 

Ricky Fortes (Musical Theatre student and cast member as Plankton) shared a personal achievement:

“A dream of mine was to play a villain role it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I finally got to do that with Plankton, and I think it’s the most fun I’ve ever had playing a character. Figuring out who he is and stepping into that character was a journey. It’s based on a kids’ show, and it’s SpongeBob, so it needed to be big and dramatic! I really felt I gave 100%.”

 

Jemma Joslin (Technical Theatre student as Technical Production Manager) emphasised the community that formed:

“We’ve all got to know each other over the past three years, but this single show brought us closer than any other. It’s been amazing watching everyone develop in their roles. It’s our final show, and I’m going to miss it!”

 

Keely also highlighted the LAC’s support in promoting student work:

“…It was really nice to work with the LAC during this production. The promotion side was insane, we had loads of videos taken during rehearsals that were promoted. We also did some TikToks, and posters were put up throughout the LAC. It was just great to see strong ticket sales and audiences really engaged with the show.”

 

Ivory Broughton (Musical Theatre student and cast member as Patchy the Pirate & Perch Perkins) shared a personal connection:

“I’ve always loved SpongeBob as a kid. I grew up watching it with my family, so having them come to watch meant a lot to me.”

 

Large productions like this clearly thrive on cross-departmental collaboration. Licensing a well-known and established show gives students a unique opportunity to work with familiar characters, achieve personal goals, and collaborate as a cohort bringing their magical vision of Bikini Bottom to life.

Sustainability & Innovation

The production also shone in its approach to sustainability, bringing many benefits: less waste, fewer new materials purchased, and a significantly reduced budget for set and costume design. As Darren Page, Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Technical Theatre & Stage Management, pointed out:

“Given the scope of the show, it was an incredible achievement by the production team! The design and production elements of The SpongeBob Musical were informed by the sustainability priorities and values set out by our students. Following some of the principles of the ABTT’s Green Book, many elements of the design process were channelled through repurposing set, costume, and props already in our stock… If you’re eagle-eyed, you might spot something from one of your favourite previous LAC/LSCA shows! Sustainability was a tool for innovation, as well as a moral imperative in a show about communities coming together to solve a daunting problem.”

 What made The SpongeBob Musical more sustainable?

Alex Leader (Technical Theatre student as Deputy Stage Manager) explained how most of the set was from recycled materials:

“During Easter, Emily and I made loads of props from recycled cardboard, newspapers for the paper hats, papier-mâché props, and stuff we found in a warehouse like recycled offcuts. About 90% of the props and materials came from that.”

 

Helen Miller (Technical Theatre student as Costume Designer & Wardrobe Manager) emphasized a costume design highlight:

“A highlight for me was something I personally created. The cape used in the ‘Patrick Superstar Sea Savior’ scene. It was originally a curtain donated by a production team member’s family. I thought it was a really cool thing to use, and I loved how the final product came out.”

A standout set piece in the sets design was the large wall built entirely from recycled cans collected over the year. Ricardo said:

“They had a wall of cans spray-painted with ‘recycle’ that was a really cool one. I’m curious how long it took to build and how many people donated their cans.”

 

Lauren Davies (Technical Theatre student as Stage Manager) added:

“A favourite moment for me was helping compile all the cans we’d been collecting over the last couple of months and seeing how it all came together on the set.”

 

Kieran Nisbet (Technical Theatre student as Set Designer & Sound Manager) shared:

“I enjoyed the process of piecing together all the cans: gluing them down, screwing them together. It was fun working it all out!”

 

Helen also noted how using donated materials helped manage costs:

“In the costume department, we had so many donations of clothing and fabric. This meant I actually came in under budget by the end of the show, which was surprising, considering the size of the production. It’s the first time I’ve incorporated sustainability into my design practice.”

 

Even the cast members joined in on the sustainability kick. Ivory said:

“I contributed some of my own SpongeBob merch, which made sense since my character was obsessed with SpongeBob. I had my Spongebob backpack and ukulele!”

 

Final Highlights & Round-Up

Jemma on the confetti surprise:

“A highlight was watching the cast’s reaction to the confetti moment for the first time—we tried to keep it a secret until the final rehearsals!”

 

Ricardo shared a favourite Plankton line:

“It’s evil, it’s diabolical, it’s lemon-scented! I don’t know what it was about that line, but it was just so funny to be so dramatic!”

 

Lauren reflected on personal growth:

“It’s given me insight into my personal life—being more sustainable and thinking about recycling. Donating things like my drink cans was unique, and I don’t think other productions have done that.”

 

The SpongeBob Musical 2025 was more than just a vibrant, high-energy performance. It was a celebration of student talent, teamwork, and commitment to innovate thinking. A massive congratulations is in order to all the students, staff, and supporters who made The SpongeBob Musical & Launch Fest 2025 & Summer of Musicals a success on stage and behind the scenes!

Lincoln School of Creative Arts / University of Lincoln
Photo Credit: Andrew AB Photography
Director Clare Chandler
Choreographer Lisa Wilson
Musical Director Rob Green