Roleystone Theatre Hiatus Spells Captivating Play in May

The recently renovated Armadale District Hall will come to life when the Roleystone Theatre Group performs Tony Award winning play The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as part of the Armadale Arts Festival next month.

The play, produced by Finley Award winning Director Stephen Carr follows a group of six mid-pubescents as they vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

While openly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their homes, they spell their way through a series of words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing and pout-inducing bell that signals a spelling mistake. But there can only be one winner while five leave with a juice box.

Carr said he wanted to do a show that was fun and involved the audience.

“I want them to walk away, having had a good night and knowing our theatre group is still going strong and in good hands.”

The play relies on audience participation, so choreographing a show with four new people each night does present a few challenges. 

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is meant to be set in a hall, so when the City of Armadale offered up the newly-renovated District Hall it became a perfect match.”

Involved in theatre for the past 20 years, Carr has worked at a plethora of theatres across the metropolitan area including the Crown, State and Regal Theatres.

 “I get to teach and pass on my knowledge to the next batch of theatre professionals and have three of my current students in this latest show.”

“We also have to dive back into our own childhood and remember what a large and scary world it was,” Carr said.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said it was wonderful for the City to welcome Director Stephen Carr as part of this year’s Armadale Arts Festival, as well as the diverse cast performing the show.

“The Roleystone Theatre Group production is a fantastic addition to this year’s Festival program, proving its more than just visual arts, but also a celebration of music, literature and theatre arts.”

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will start at 7.30pm on 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 May, at 2.30pm on 4 and 11 May, and at 6pm on 5 May.

Tickets are $25, and $20 for concession – book at www.roleystonetheatre.com.au.

“This is one of the many great programs that form the City of Armadale Arts Festival held from 3 to 19 May,” added Mayor Zelones.  

To find out what else is on visit armadaleartsfestival.com.au or call 9394 5000.

The Armadale District Hall is located on the corner of Jull Street and Church Avenue.

The Armadale Arts Festival is proudly supported by Lotterywest and The Examiner.

Stephen Carr is currently the Production Coordinator at Curtin University’s Hayman Theatre.