The Dictionary of Lost Words

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.

The Dictionary of Lost Words is a must-see

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

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.

More from Glamorazzi

Interior of Lil Lane

Best Sandwiches in Melbourne

Explore Melbourne's explosive sandwich scene that is offering patrons delicious combinations. This guide reveals some of the best sandwich shops, how to order like a local and a valuable insider tip.
Spicy Chinese Hotpot from David's Hot Pot

Best Hotpot in Melbourne: Where Chinese Locals Go

Discover the best hotpot in Melbourne, from Sichuan spice to fish and Mongolian broths – endorsed by Chinese locals who actually eat there
Melbourne specialty coffee roasters with espresso, beans and filter brews — best coffee roasters Melbourne

The Best Coffee Roasters in Melbourne: The City’s Must-Try Beans

A local’s guide to the best coffee roasters in Melbourne, including addresses, websites, Instagram handles and the top 11 roasters to try.
Tippy Tay -  Melbourne’s festive Italian social spot 

8 Instagrammable Restaurants in Melbourne

Discover Melbourne’s most Instagrammable restaurants where the food tastes as good as it looks. From neon modern Asian spots to rooftop bars and chic bistro vibes, these 8 venues serve both mood and menu,...
The Great Gatsby Jazz & Ballet Odyssey

The Great Gatsby Jazz & Ballet Odyssey

The Great Gatsby Jazz Ballet Odyssey at Her Majesty's Theatre Melbourne. Jazz, ballet, glamour and a heartbreaking green light.

You May Also Like

Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman and Toby Schmitz in ART by Yasmina Reza, Comedy Theatre Melbourne, April to May 2026
A Canvas, Three Men, and Decades of Unsaid Things: ART Melbourne 2026
Jacqueline Furey performing with a massive fire fan on stage at Club Kabarett with Berlin neon sign and audience watching
Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett Is Melbourne's Hottest Night Out Right Now
Nick Abrahams performing The Accidental Lawyer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026, Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Nick Abrahams and The Accidental Lawyer: When Your Career Takes Every Detour Except the One You Planned
Hawker 88 Night Market Queen Victoria Market Melbourne indoor sheds with neon lights lanterns and communal dining tables
Hawker 88 Night Market Melbourne: Eat Like a King for Under $20
Australian design objects and lighting components on display at Melbourne Design Week 2026 exhibitions across Melbourne
The Ideas Shaping Your Next Brief Are Being Debated at Melbourne Design Week 2026
Emma Caporaso as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers the Musical, Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse, Australian premiere 2026
Kill to Be Somebody, Heathers the Musical at Arts Centre Melbourne
Tom Gleeson is completely out of touch. This Australian comedian's head is up his arse.
Out of Touch? Sure, Tom. Sure.
Geraldine Hickey, Australian Comedian
She Had Some Work Done! Geraldine Hickey Brings A Weight Off My Chest to the MICF 2026

Videos

GLAMORAZZI GUIDES - CURATED WITH JOY

Best Brunch Cafes in Melbourne
Best Fine French in
Melbourne
Best Chinese Hotpot in
Melbourne
Best Coffee Roasters
in Melbourne
Best Bagels in
Melbourne
Best Sandwiches
in Melbourne
Best Malaysian Food
in Melbourne

More from Glamorazzi

Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman and Toby Schmitz in ART by Yasmina Reza, Comedy Theatre Melbourne, April to May 2026

A Canvas, Three Men, and Decades of Unsaid Things: ART Melbourne 2026

A white painting. An outrageous price tag. And suddenly, thirty years of friendship is on the line. Yasmina Reza's ART lands at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre and it is uncomfortably, brilliantly, hilariously...
Spogomi More Than a Manly Beach CleanUp

Spogomi: More Than a Manly Beach Clean Up

Learn about the origins and history of Spogomi, the Japanese sport turning litter collection into a global movement. Discover how a Manly Beach clean up is sending an Aussie team to the World Cup in T...
My Awesome Cafe A Taste of Heritage in Singapore's Telok Ayer

My Awesome Cafe: A Taste of Heritage in Singapore's Telok Ayer

Step aboard Melbourne's groundbreaking Titanic VR experience at 206 Bourke Street. Discover an immersive historical journey through virtual reality that brings the legendary story to life. Perfect for...
Joie - Vegetarian Fine Dining Restaurant in Singapore

Joie - Vegetarian Fine Dining Restaurant, Singapore

Nestled atop Orchard Central, is a modern, indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant specializes in adventurous vegetarian fine dining in the heart of Singapore city. Joie embraces a European and Taiwanese dining...
Market And Meander Adelaide Rustic Breakfast

Market & Meander Rustic Breakfast Showcase Adelaide Markets’ Produce

When in Adelaide, a visit to the renowned Adelaide Central Market is a must! This vibrant marketplace offers a plethora of South Australian produce that tantalizes taste buds. One gem within this bustling...