The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Next date: Friday, 11 September 2026 | 07:30 PM

Twenty years after its Tony-Award-winning Broadway debut, Willoughby Theatre Company presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a wildly funny and unforgettable musical packed with humour, heart and audience participation.

An eclectic group of six wonderfully unique adolescents gather for the spelling championship of a lifetime, each hoping to avoid the dreaded ding that signals elimination. As the competition unfolds, these ambitious young spellers reveal hilarious, awkward and unexpectedly touching stories from their home lives, proving that growing up can be just as challenging as surviving a spelling bee.

Witty, charming and unexpectedly heartfelt, this crowd favourite celebrates the outsiders, the overachievers and anyone who has ever wanted to belong.

Please note:

This performance is recommended for audience members aged 13 years and over.
Adults only night (18+) on Saturday 12 September at 8:30 pm. For one night only, there will be special, more risque words and sentences heard at The Bee.