The stage adaptation of Pip Williams’ novel, The Dictionary of Lost Words, presented by Sydney Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia, is a mesmerizing journey into the world of words and the power they hold. Directed by Jessica Arthur and adapted by Verity Laughton, this production delivers a poignant and thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the final curtain falls.

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“The Dictionary of Lost Words is a must-see” – Adelaide Advertiser

A Captivating Adaptation

The opening night at the Arts Centre Melbourne was a celebration of artistry and storytelling. The production team has done a remarkable job in bringing the novel to life, with lush sets and period costumes that transport the audience to early 20th century England. The attention to detail is exquisite, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the captivating narrative.

Stellar Performances

The cast delivered outstanding performances, breathing life into the characters and their stories. Brett Archer, Rachel Burke, Brenna Harding, Ksenja Logos, Angela Mahlatjie, Chris Pitman, Carlos Sanson Jr., and Anthony Yangoyan all shine in their respective roles, portraying a range of emotions with depth and authenticity. Their chemistry on stage is palpable, adding layers of complexity to an already richly woven tale.

Word, Meaning and HIStories

It’s 1886 and the very first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is being compiled. Four-year-old Esme Nicoll has a front row seat. Well, she’s hiding under the sorting table, anyway. As her father and his male colleagues decide which words stay and which go, Esme collects the discarded (often gendered) scraps to compile her own far more radical, far more magical dictionary.

A sweeping historical tale, The Dictionary of Lost Words follows Esme from her childhood in the 1880s, into adulthood at the height of the women’s suffrage movement and the beginning of the First World War.

This vivid, new play brings to life a stunning and transportive reflection on the love between a daughter and her father, at a time when the women’s rights movement was first gaining traction, into an unmissable night at the theatre.

The Legacy of Esme Nicoll

The Dictionary of Lost Words is a triumph of storytelling and a testament to the power of words. It is a production that will leave you spellbound, pondering the meaning of language and its ability to shape our world. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this enchanting play – it is a journey you won’t soon forget.

“Stage adaptation of bestseller finds power in the silences” – Guardian Australia

Buy tickets now and experience the magic of The Dictionary of Lost Words before the show ends on 17th March 2024 at the Arts Centre Melbourne.