An award-nominated actor has backed a theatre's upcoming SpongeBob musical production.

Gavin Lee, an Olivier and Tony award-nominated actor, has offered support to the Woodbridge theatre company as they prepare for their production of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical.

Mr Lee, who had his early acting days with the Company of Four, played Squidward Tentacles in the original Broadway rendition of the musical.

Speaking from his home in New York, Mr Lee said: “The Company of Four has a special place in my heart because it was where I first experienced the buzz of being on stage, developed the confidence to grow as an actor and fostered the foundation I needed to build a career in theatre.

East Anglian Daily Times: Gavin Lee as Squidward on Broadway Gavin Lee as Squidward on Broadway (Image: Gavin Lee)

“I wish them all the best of luck with it – and particularly send my best wishes to Violet who is going to be proudly stepping into the Squidward shoes.”

Violet, a 13-year-old pupil at Kesgrave High School, has been in numerous productions with the Company of Four, she said: “It’s pretty amazing to have someone of Gavin’s calibre reach out to us.

"It’s amazing to think that he started his journey here in Woodbridge just like us and now he performs in some of the biggest shows in the world."

The musical is set to be performed at the Woodbridge Community Centre on June 1 and June 2.

East Anglian Daily Times: Violet Wheatley is set to take on the role in Woodbridge Violet Wheatley is set to take on the role in Woodbridge (Image: Submitted)

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical is the theatrical adaptation of Nickelodeon’s animated children’s sitcom.

The musical is noted for its varied score of music from artists such as David Bowie, Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, and John Legend, to name a few.

Neil Thorpe, secretary of the Company of Four, said: "We expect there to be several Gavin Lee’s of the future in the mix so it’s a show not to be missed."