Vying for first place in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - as Act II take to the stage in Spalding

Act II perform musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Spalding's South Holland Centre next Thursday and Friday (Feb 14 and 15).

The play sees each child dream of winning, but for different reasons, and follows their stories as they candidly reveal their hopes, struggles and passions while moving through the competition.

And to give audiences an insight into the show, director Karl Gernert is introducing us to the first three characters.

Lorraine Schwartzandgrubenierre is a student at the Magna Magnet Grammar School where she is head of the Gay/Straight Alliance. She was entered into the Bee by her two dads Daniel Schwartz and Carl Grubenierre.

Leaf Coneybear is home-schooled and comes from a large family. He has been told by his family all his life that he is not very smart. He goes into a trace and sees a light when he spells.

Chip Tolentino is a boy scout and he plays baseball. He was the winner of the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He went on to nationals, but did not place in the top ten.

Meet the other candidates next week.

• Tickets for the show are available from www.southhollandcentre.co.uk or 01775 764777.