“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”

By Musicality: University of Nottingham

An eclectic group of sixth-graders vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves triumphant in valour.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, volunteered by four willing audience members who really threw themselves into their speller roles and the fun with the choreography.

Sweet and shy Olive Ostrovaky (Megan Smith) brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee (Ewan Waddell) uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip Tolentino (Joseph Straw) is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf Coneybear (Lucy Boardman) is unconvinced that she’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy Park (Sophie Mitchell) is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (Emily Trappen) only wants to impress her gay dads (Ewan Waddell and Joseph Straw Straw).

Overseeing the "kids" taking part is Vice Principle Panch ( Adriana Dvorakova), former Spelling Bee champ Rona Lisa Peretti (Arfaa Butt) and Mitch Mahoney (Amy Fisher) - and I must congratulate the make up team for transforming the lovely Amy into macho Mitch!

In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. An engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes an audience to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.

Produced by the man who has more strings to his talent bow than a harp player ( I know harp players don't have bows, but you get the similie with the multitude of strings), Matt Talbot. This is his debut as a Producer as well and was well assisted by Louis Yates.

And talking of many strings, Adriana also choreographed the production and directed it also!

As with "Songs For A New World" (which I loved just as much for the seriousness and emotion as I love this musical for its comedy and fun), the music was stripped back to cello ( Amber Frost - who also was Musical Director) and keyboards (Rex Perkins), but created such a rounded sound for just the two instruments.

Also, as with "Songs" I could not choose any of the characters over the other to highlight as they were all different and all equally funny and lovable in their own way. All equally brought to life by a team of excellent character actors. I've seen "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" before and this production reminded just how brilliantly funny the musical is.

Just like Nottingham City Transport, you wait for ages and ages and two life savers come at once. In this case two very different productions, both of which I adored for different reasons. Both productions highlighting the immense dramatic talents of the students of the University. I know from talking to Matt what a lot of hard work, sweat and maybe even a few tears, hopefully no blood, has gone into these productions and I expect everyone involved will be looking forward to a bit of shuteye after this coming Sunday. In my humble opinion, they deserve it.

Who says student life is all party party party? I imagine a lie in is what they are looking for, as well as maybe just a little bit of party for celebratory purposes.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, as well as "Songs For A New World" is being held at the Trent Building at the Nottingham University only until Sunday 15 August. Go and support these very talented young men and women and maybe take in the beautiful surroundings with a picnic and glass of bolly by the lake this weekend before their final shows