Fringe benefits

For Helena Cassels and Cameron Currie’s inaugural production they are bringing Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn’s ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – and members of Dyslexia Scotland can get a discount on tickets

The musical tells the story of six young spelling bee participants and four audience guest spellers who spell complex words, navigate growing up and reveal their motivations for being at and winning the Bee whilst trying to cope with failure and elimination. More importantly, the show highlights the ability of words and language to empower these young spellers, giving them confidence in not only their talents and abilities but their ability to make their own decisions and forge their own paths in order to make themselves happy and proud.

We are delighted to be partnering with Dyslexia Scotland for our production because of this shared belief in empowering others. Spelling Bee explores the power of language, the importance of communication with others and words’ ability to bridge cultural, social, and personal differences, situating ourselves when growing up.

We believe that the work Dyslexia Scotland does is vital; not only in helping people with dyslexia maximise their full potential and campaigning for both young people and adults in all aspects of their life, but also in empowering these people and providing them with a community of similar individuals to connect with.

Although Spelling Bee has comedic improvised elements with audience participation, it is at its core a story that talks of childhood motivations and those who are ridiculed for spelling words ‘perfectly’ as well as the friendships and community they develop with each other. Though it may not be evident at first, we believe that there are strong similarities between those who spell words ‘perfectly’ and those with ‘learning difficulties’ . Both groups are similarly ridiculed despite their seeming differences.

Dyslexia Scotland members can access a discounted ticket price of £11 per ticket. Cameron and Helena would love for you to come and see this hilarious and uplifting story with amazing music, showcasing a love of words and the joy that they bring!

Location: theSpace @ Niddry St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH (Lower)
Dates and times: 12 to 17 August (11.15am), 19 to 24 August (11.35am)