A FUN and crazy adventure involving underwater characters will take to the stage at the Haymarket in Basingstoke this summer.

BATS Next Gen is performing The SpongeBob Musical from August 2 to 4, with a creative team headed by its alumni.

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob, played by Scarlett Boyle, and his friends Patrick Star (Imy Tickle) and Sandy Cheeks (Mia May) must come together to save their undersea world.

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(Image: BATS Next Gen)

(Image: Archive) Meanwhile, tiny supervillain Sheldon Plankton (Rudy Gould) has other ideas.

The family friendly show is full of crazy cartoon characters based on the animated TV show and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Director Owen White said: “The talent in this company is like nothing I have ever seen. The show is a fun, crazy underwater adventure like no other. You can expect to see amazing costumes, dazzling dances, amazing vocals and a show that is filled with heart.”

Owen joined BATS Next Gen in 2010 performing in Vampires in Space, and he continues to perform and has a proven track record of directing both sell out and accolade winning shows.

Musical director Tori Eglin, who first appeared with BATS Next Gen in Rumpelstiltskin Racket in 2006, has also performed on numerous occasions and is an experienced musical director and vocal coach.

Tori, who is supported by Jack Baldwin as assistant musical director, said her favourite part of the show is the gospel number and vocally challenging Super Sea Star Saviour.

Jack, who is making his debut on the creative team, first performed with BATS Next Gen in Cats in 2014.

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Joined by Hollie Parks as choreographer, Ryan Stevens as tap choreographer and Kellie Boyle as team assistant, the team has put together a strong cast who will rise to the challenge of this all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show.

Fiona Morgans, BATS Next Gen’s committee chair, said: “We have a saying: ‘once a Next Genner, always a Next Genner’ and this couldn’t be truer with this show where we have so many alumni within not only the creative team, but also the committee and backstage crew.

“It makes me extremely proud knowing that those who are no longer eligible to perform want to be involved , to give back and offer their skills and experience to the ‘next’ next generation. It’s wonderful and creates such a sense of community, as well as showing the youngsters performing that there are opportunities for them to use their creativity in future.”

Tickets are available from anvilarts.org.uk. For more information about BATS Next Gen and how to support or perform with them, visit batsnextgen.co.uk.