STAGE BUZZ BRISBANE
2 July 2026
Season: July 2nd - 5th, 2026
Title:Â The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Presented By:Â BackDock Arts
Genre:Â Musical Comedy
Synopsis: It's the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and you're invited!
An eclectic group of six extraordinary middle-school students arrives at the annual spelling bee, each determined to win for very different reasons. As the competition unfolds, the young spellers reveal their hopes, insecurities, dreams and personal stories through hilarious dialogue and heartfelt musical numbers.
Featuring William Finn's witty, Tony Award-winning score and Rachel Sheinkin's clever, touching book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a charming coming-of-age musical filled with humour, heart and audience participation.
Performance Dates: July 2nd - 5th, 2026
Performance Times:
Thursday & Friday - 7PM
Saturday & Sunday - 2PM & 7PM
Performance Location and Address: BackDock Arts, 103 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Ticket Costs: General Admission - $45
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - Spelling Bee
Warnings: Contains mild coarse language, mature themes and audience participation.
Recommended Age: Recommended for ages 12+.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours, including interval.
Creative Team:
Music & Lyrics – William Finn
Book – Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Production Website: Backdock Arts - Spelling Bee
Other Information:
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has become an international favourite for its quirky characters, clever comedy and heartfelt exploration of growing up. The production blends laugh-out-loud humour with moments of genuine warmth, making it a beloved musical for theatre lovers of all ages.
BackDock Arts offers step-free entry, wheelchair-accessible seating and accessible toilet facilities. Patrons with accessibility requirements or Companion Card enquiries are encouraged to contact the venue prior to attending.
