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Life at The Little Theatre column: It's time for our next extravaganza

Read the latest updates from Southport's Little Theatre.

Zainab Noor

InYourArea Community, Zainab Noor

— 2 min read
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Life at The Little Theatre column: It's time for our next extravaganza

Natasha Athey as Olive Ostrovsky

By Jennifer Corcoran and Andrew Sloman

It may be Wimbledon week but did you know that from Wednesday, June 29 to Saturday, July 2 ‘The 25thAnnual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is coming to town.

Southport Spotlights latest extravaganza is a gem of a show that started life as an improvisational play called C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, created by Rebecca Feldman and performed by New York based improv troupe, The Farm.

The show was seen by an associate of Pulitzer winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein who then recommended the show to William Finn. The off Broadway composer and lyricist brought Rachel Sheinkin on board and they worked with Feldman to devise a full length musical.

The show introduces us to six quirky kids competing in the Bee; a competition where contestants spell words of increasing difficulty out loud, instantly disqualified if incorrect.  The last one standing is the champion.

Looking to keep the crown is last year’s winner, Chip Tolento as well as his runner up, allergy suffering William Barfee.  The other contestants are home-schooled Leaf Coneybear, over-achiever Marcy Park, word nerd Olive Ostrovsky and studious Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere.

Overseeing the proceedings are three, arguably quirkier, adults – former champion Rona Perretti, Vice Principal Panch and community service assignee Mitch Mahoney. Rounding out the squad are four diligent prefects.

We get to witness, and in some cases join in, as the contest unfolds. Each speller reveals their history as well as their hopes but they are not all playing fair.

Rob McGregor as Chip Tolentino

You can tell a show will be amazing when you learn that the production team consists of Stephen Hughes-Alty, Pippa Morris Adam Dutch. Book your tickets now to find out who will win the Bee, and hope there is not a sting in the tale!

For more, follow the company on Facebook and Instagram and TikTok.  For tickets visit Ticketsource, call 07927 331 977 between 10am and 3pm or via the Little Theatre box office.

Also in rehearsal is our rescheduled production of Death of a Salesman. This classic will be performed from July 15-23. To book tickets, visit click here - or call 01704 530521 from 11am to 1pm/two hours before curtain up when there is a performance.

For more information about Southport Dramatic Club, visit our website. For updates, pictures, trivia and competitions follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

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