Not sure about you, but I always hated spelling bees. It wasn't because of my ability to spell (I was actually rather good at it) but there was something about getting up in front of everyone and spelling on demand...
Luckily for you, this production of "
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" does not require you to do any spelling on demand, but rather enjoy the hilarity of watching six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (credit: Sinead Kenny)
Spelling Bee is a hilarious part musical part improv about a troupe of misfits who are participating in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It chronicles a quirky, yet charming cast of outsiders, with different perspectives about competing in the spelling bee. For some, it is the single most important event in their lives; for others, it has been forced upon them and for a few, it is simply a waste of time; but for all of them, this spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in all at the same time. In any case, it will be sure to leave you in stiches and asking for more (or is that moor)?

Image of the cast during rehearsals (credit: Cardinal Sin)
The Tony Award winning musical is serving as the debut production from Sydney's newest theatre company,
Exclaim, made up of
AIM (Australian Institute of Music) alumni who since graduating have performed in such productions as A Chorus Line, Carrie and The Drowsy Chaperone to name a few.
"
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is on for a limited season only. More information about the musical can be found
here.
So have those dictionaries at the ready (or more like dictionary.com or google these days) and book your tickets to "
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" for a guaranteed laugh.
ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
To help celebrate the debut production for the Exclaim Theatre Company, they are giving a lucky Weekend Notes reader the chance to win two tickets to the Friday 30 May performance of the musical. For your chance to win, send an email to exclaimtheatre@gmail.com with your name and mobile number. Entries close 5pm (AEST), Wednesday 28 May and the winner will be notified via SMS.
EVENT DETAILS
VenueAustralia Hall - 150 Elizabeth Street, Sydney City
Show Dates23rd May - 8pm
24th May (Adults Only) - 9pm
25th May - 3pm
30th May - 8pm
31st May (Adults Only) - 9pm
1st June - 3pm
Ticket Price
$20 General Admission. Tickets can be purchased through
eventbrite.