The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

This lovely little musical might be about precocious children – but it has some themes which are awkward to explain to little ones.

Mummy what is that song about Erections about? This curly question was delivered to the Director Sam Neaves by her child.

The publishers have released a G rated edition. It replaces an awkward erection with an awkward distraction.

The good folk at Stage Artz are using that version for the matinee. This tamer edition is being replaced with an M rated version for their 10pm audience.

Members of the audience, who are asked on stage to take part in the spelling bee, might be asked to spell words about places where erections sometimes end up! In case they can’t quite pick it then there is always help from the judge by having the word read out in a sentence.

This was return season for the Stage Artz team and the cast was in fine form. The stand out was Liz Webby as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenienne. Her intense plaits were just made for yanking.

It’s clearly a fun show to perform in. The characters include cheesy judges, a delinquent, a goodie goodie and assorted little ones who drink too much Green Cordial.  This joy is infectious.

David Spicer

Image: (left to right) Jay James-Moody, Cara Laing, Josephine Ison, Linda Hale, Liz Webby, Luke Davis and Max Newstead.

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