 Episode " The Sponge Who Could Fly " was adapted in 2009 as a stage musical at the Liverpool Empire Theatre , and later in South Africa . Actor Charles Brunton originated the role of Squidward , later recalling that he loved the character , and the " fun [ of ] trying to re @-@ create a well established cartoon character into a live performance on stage . " Brunton prepared for the role by buying nine DVDs of the series , acting out Squidward 's part in each episode , in his bedroom . He said , " it took ages to perfect the voice and the way he used his arms " . Brunton 's performance and the musical were well received by most critics . A critic from The Public Reviews wrote , " Charles Brunton as Squidward really stole the show for us , his character was nailed to perfection , from his comic acting , voice and mannerisms this was a faultless performance " . In his review for The Northern Echo , Viv Hardwick said , " Charles Brunton makes a convincing Squidward " . The role was played by Chris van Rensburg in South Africa . 
