Preview: Spongebob Musical at Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Tyne Theatre Productions Brings The Spongebob Musical to Newcastle in 2026

A splashy, high-energy family musical is heading to Newcastle as the iconic Tyne Theatre & Opera House announces its next in-house production: The Spongebob Musical. This vibrant stage show, based on Nickelodeon's beloved animated series, will take over the historic venue from Wednesday 18th to Saturday 21st February 2026, perfectly timed for February half-term.

Presented by Tyne Theatre Productions (TTP) — the theatre’s in-house amateur dramatics group — The Spongebob Musical promises to be a bold, imaginative spectacle. Audiences will follow SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and the rest of Bikini Bottom as they band together to save their undersea home from impending disaster when a volcano threatens to erupt.

But this isn’t your average cartoon-to-stage adaptation. The Spongebob Musical features an eclectic and original score with songs from a jaw-dropping line-up of pop and rock stars including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At The Disco, The Flaming Lips, Plain White T’s, and many more. With a book by Kyle Jarrow, and inspired by the world created by Stephen Hillenburg, the musical brings humour, heart, and high-octane energy.

Tyne Theatre CEO Jonathan Higgins expressed his excitement:

“We’re so excited to be bringing such a fantastic family show to life on our stage next year. Following the recent successes of ‘School of Rock’, ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, we think this may just be our most popular production yet.” 

Tickets:

Tickets are on sale now, starting from £17.50, and can be booked via the theatre’s official website:
👉 Book Tickets

Get Involved: Cast, Crew & Creative Opportunities

TTP is calling on the North East’s creative talent to help bring the underwater world of Bikini Bottom to life. Aspiring actors, singers, dancers, backstage crew and production creatives are all encouraged to join.

• Auditions will be held in the coming months.

• Roles are open for ensemble and named characters.

• Applications are currently open for director, musical director, and choreographer positions.

TTP members get exclusive access to audition, perform, or work backstage — and all funds raised go directly back into maintaining and restoring the historic theatre.

🔗 Join TTP & Find Out More

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A Legacy on Westgate Road: The History of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Founded in 1867, the Tyne Theatre & Opera House is one of the most architecturally significant Victorian theatres still standing in the UK. Designed by architect William Parnell, it was originally commissioned by Joseph Cowen, a local MP and newspaper owner with a deep belief in making the arts accessible to working people. His commitment to cultural enrichment gave Newcastle a jewel in its theatrical crown.

Over the decades, the theatre has hosted everything from vaudeville and opera to cinema and rock concerts, surviving fires, wartime damage, and threats of demolition. It was awarded Grade I listed status in 1985 — a recognition of its rare preserved backstage machinery and ornate auditorium, including original 19th-century stage equipment that is still operational today.

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust now oversees the venue’s operations, ensuring that this community-focused, historically rich space remains a thriving cultural hub. Through groups like Tyne Theatre Productions, the theatre blends its proud past with a forward-looking vision that champions education, creativity, and inclusion.

Don’t miss your chance to dive under the sea with SpongeBob and friends in one of the UK’s most magical theatres. Whether you’re attending as an audience member or getting involved on stage, this is a North East production that’s bound to make waves.

📍 Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 109 – 119 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 4AG