Home » News » Make a beeline for Putnam County

Make a beeline for Putnam County

There’s something special about watching a story unfold on stage — especially when that story is packed with humor, heart and a little friendly competition.

From April 10–12 at the Melton Community Centre, audiences will have the chance to step into the world of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical that celebrates the awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly moving journey of six young spellers chasing their moment of glory.

What makes this Melton Performing Arts production truly shine is its cast — a group of talented performers who bring these quirky characters to life with warmth and energy. Each contestant has their own story, their own dreams, and their own way of handling the pressure of the bee. Whether it’s through song, sharp comedic timing, or the raw emotion that sneaks up in unexpected moments, they make it easy to see a little of ourselves in them.

But it’s not just the spellers who get in on the fun — audience participation keeps every performance fresh, making each show a unique experience. Under the direction of Derek Bendall, with musical director Carla Bendall, producer Josh Tooth, and producer/choreographer Rachel Chetcuti guiding the way, this production promises a night filled with laughter, heartwarming surprises, and maybe even a few unexpected spelling lessons.

Spelling Bee marks the second successful musical and fourth successful production overall for Melton Performing Arts, a non-profit community performing arts organisation dedicated to creating and maintaining performing arts opportunities in the Melton area.

For those who love theatre, Spelling Bee is a reminder of why live performance is so special—it’s unpredictable, it’s electric, and it brings people together in the most wonderful way.

Catch the show from Thursday April 10 until Saturday April 12 at the Melton Community Hall. Tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/CYMED

Digital Editions


  • Fleetwood Mac hits Melton

    Fleetwood Mac hits Melton

    TUSK: The Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show is rolling into town on Saturday 28 February with a golden anniversary celebration that promises to be a night…

More News

  • Write on

    Write on

    Calling all writers, creatives, and storytellers alike. Moorabool is celebrating local storytelling as the Peter Carey Short Story Awards marks 10 years of recognising Moorabool writers through the Best Local…

  • Attwood grandmother wins big

    Attwood grandmother wins big

    An Attwood grandmother became a multimillionaire over the weekend, after winning $3 million in the TattsLotto draw. When her division one win was confirmed by a call from The Lott…

  • Calling all Hume creatives

    Calling all Hume creatives

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 228421 Applications for the Hume arts grants program are now open, offering support to local artists and organisations for their creative endeavours. Council said…

  • Finals spots up for grabs

    Finals spots up for grabs

    The Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield is hotting up with finals spots on the line. Just nine points separates Heidelberg in second spot and Bundoora United in ninth, so…

  • Local fined for burning waste

    Local fined for burning waste

    A Broadmeadows man has been fined more than $2000 by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for burning industrial waste at a Balliang East property. EPA southwest regional manager Martha-Rose…

  • Warriors sitting on top

    Warriors sitting on top

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 530332 Westmeadows continues to build momentum in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition. Sitting on top of the ladder with one loss, the…

  • Eagles close call

    Eagles close call

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 528881 Craigieburn got a season defining win in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division on Saturday. In the relegation mix, the Eagles match…

  • Ambos support fire-affected wildlife

    Ambos support fire-affected wildlife

    Ambulance Victoria (AV) staff and volunteers have banded together over the last few weeks to provide emergency care to fire-affected communities across Victoria, with recent efforts going towards supporting the…

  • Youth Fest grants available

    Youth Fest grants available

    Applications are open now for grants to host Youth Fest activities. Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman announced $220,000 in funding to support the delivery of more than 100 events across the…

  • Nominations open for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women

    Nominations open for the Victorian Honour Roll of Women

    In a move to shine a spotlight on the trailblazing women of Victoria, the state government has opened nominations for the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. The roll celebrates…