Directed by

Gregory Jones

Famously mixing Musical with Audience Participation and ad lib, Spelling Bee (in near real time) charts the young protagonists' journey to the cusp of adulthood, where the children are thrust into the adult world by adults who have barely escaped childhood themselves. 

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The unusual shape of the Subiaco Arts Centre was an important design influence, trying to create a space that was both sparce, kitch and audience friendly, as well as leaving space for the musicians.

While the musical is traditionally set in a gymnasium, we used the style of an old community hall; old, chipped and rarely polished floorboards, sun faded curtains, playgroup yesterday, bingo tomorrow. Even tonight, the community band is rehearsing at the other end of the hall...

To this we added 'homemade' elements of craft bees, bunting and helium balloons, as though the Playgroup Association had been in charge of decoration. 

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Costume design: Jay Brien

 Lighting design: Tess Reuvers