The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
11-19th September 2026, The Concourse Lounge, Chatswood

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.

Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, this fast-paced musical comedy features a witty book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh, vibrant score by William Finn.

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.

Packed with laugh out loud moments, audience participation and plenty of surprises, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is more than just a musical, it’s a joyful and energetic theatre experience where no two performances are ever quite the same.

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