Musical Theatre / The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Canberra Philharmonic Society. At ACTHub until March 28. Reviewed by BILL STEPHENS

There’s a certain magic in watching a show that knows exactly what it is, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee wears its quirky heart right on its sleeve. 

Set in a fictional school gymnasium, the show follows a group of eccentric young contestants as they compete for the coveted spelling bee trophy, and in the process, reveal their insecurities, dreams and personal quirks.

Nathan Patrech’s direction is resourceful and imaginative, encouraging the audience to feel like they’re sitting on bleachers, watching friends and neighbours compete for glory. This is enhanced by the inclusion of four guest contestants, chosen from the audience each performance, ensuring that no two performances are exactly the same. 

Each of the characters in the show is drawn with such specificity that you can’t help rooting for them. From Ella Colquhoun’s overly intense overachiever whose performance of I Speak Six Languages is a genuine showstopper, to Amelia Andersson-Nickson’s shy newcomer whose love of words is sweetly expressed in her solo My Friend, The Dictionary, the characterisations are exaggerated yet deeply relatable, with each given a moment to shine through catchy, character-driven songs. 

Amy Kowalczuk is pitch perfect as the gushy contest moderator, a former winner of the 3rd Putnam Spelling bee and deeply invested in the outcome of the contest. Michael Cooper as the official word pronouncer, and Tim Stiles as the comfort councillor, provide hilariously dubious support. 

Dave Collins plays a contestant with an unusual memorising technique. Two fathers pamper Meaghan Stewart’s contestant. Joe Mansell is an eccentric who finds himself a contestant in the contest by accident, while Stirling Notley’s chances are thwarted by an unfortunate, uncontrollable affliction. All delight with improvisational flourishes, which keep the energy electric with humour that is quick, sometimes absurd, but never cruel.

Musically, William Finn’s score is as playful as it is heartfelt, featuring catchy melodies and clever lyrics. The lively choreography by Lachlan Ruffy, rich with classic cliche dance moves, especially for his spirited staging of Magic Foot, adds energy to the production and is enthusiastically performed by the cast. 

Despite its delightful absurdities, by the time this musical reaches its inevitable conclusion, you realise that The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee isn’t about winning or losing. It is about the messy, beautiful business of growing up, finding your voice, and spelling it out for the world to hear.

If you’re looking for a night of theatre that will make you laugh until your cheeks ache and unexpectedly tug at your heartstrings, then this delightfully exuberant production by the Canberra Philharmonic Society at the ACTHub is a bee well worth buzzing over.