The Dictionary of Lost Words makes its highly anticipated Queensland premiere as part of its 2025 national tour. Presented by Sydney Theatre Company, State Theatre Company South Australia and QPAC, this production has been met with just as much enthusiasm as its original 2023/24 seasons.
Under the expert direction of Jessica Arthur, this is a riveting piece of theatre. Pip Williams’ bestselling novel, faithfully adapted by playwright Verity Laughton, draws inspiration from the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Compiling the dictionary was a monumental task that spanned the years 1886 to 1928. A dedicated group of lexicographers, led by real figure Sir James Murray, worked in a backyard shed they affectionately named the Scriptorium, or ‘Scrippy’ for short.
The (fictional) daughter of one such lexicographer, Esme, played by Shannen Alyce Quan, serves as the play’s inquisitive and determined central character. Hiding beneath the worktables as a child, she rescues discarded ‘slips’ of collected words. As Esme grows older, she becomes aware of the gendered nature of the Dictionary and begins compiling her own collection of words, guided by an empathy and intelligence that transcends class boundaries.
Her first found word is bondmaid. The word threads itself throughout the play, highlighting the adaptability of language and the power of words. Esme’s gift for dignifying others through attentive listening sees her become a bondmaid not only to the Dictionary but to underrepresented voices.
Shannen Alyce Quan delivers a masterful performance as Esme; her portrayal as a four-year-old particularly compelling. We watch Esme grow from a curious child into a ‘curiosity;’ a sharply intelligent woman, well-versed in grief, trauma, and lost love. Despite a lengthy second act, Quan carries the weight of the play with remarkable skill. (Even with considerable trimming, Williams’ 400-page novel translates to a production that runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes.)
Johnny Nasser brings paternal warmth to the role of Esme’s widowed father, Harry. Alongside Sir James Murray, played by Brian Meegan, he nurtures Esme’s desire to work rather than marry. He offers her a place in the Scrippy after a harrowing experience at a prestigious school.
Aside from Quan and Nasser, the cast skilfully juggles multiple roles. Standout performances include Kathryn Adams as devoted maid Lizzie and original cast member Ksenja Logos as Aunt Ditte and Mabel. Both women transition seamlessly between characters, with Logos excelling as the streetwise Mabel. Her marketplace scenes provide the show’s comic highlights. Lizzie and Aunt Ditte do their best to fill the void left by Esme’s mother, who died in childbirth.
Jonathon Oxlade’s extraordinary set represents the original Scriptorium’s setup, dominated by pigeonhole-like compartments housing the slips. Built-in stairs lead to an elevated performance space above the shelves, framed by a large screen.
The screen’s overhead projections are a visual and technical marvel. It took me a while to realise, but the cast members are manipulating the images in real time under an onstage projector. This clever and stylish effect not only denotes time and place but also adds an extra layer of drama to the scenes. In one moment, dirt is sprinkled onto the screen. In another, Quan projects her own face, drawing the audience in during an emotional turning point.
The technical team is supported by expert designs from Trent Suidgeest’s lighting, Max Lyandvert’s sound design and composition, and Ailsa Paterson’s costumes.
While The Dictionary of Lost Words is often marketed toward women, it is a play that offers something for everyone. My male guest appreciated the historical setting, powerful performances, and strong storytelling as much as I did. Though the play holds a mirror to the societal standards of its time, it does so thoughtfully, without casting unfair judgment through a modern lens. It stands as a rich representation of a slice of history, and a compellingly crafted work of art that can be appreciated by all audiences.
The Dictionary of Lost Words is a beautifully realised production that honours Pip Williams’ novel while standing firmly on its own as a meaningful piece of theatre. With heartfelt performances, ingenious staging, and a deep reverence for the power of language, it invites audiences into a world where every word – and every voice – matters. Thoughtful, moving, and visually striking, The Dictionary of Lost Words offers something meaningful for everyone who steps into its world.
The Dictionary of Lost Words runs to 10 May at the Playhouse, QPAC.
Tickets on sale now through QTIX.
Website: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/the-dictionary-of-lost-words
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sydneytheatreco/
Photo credits: Prudence Upton
The Dictionary of Lost Words remaining 2025 tour dates:
Brisbane 26 April 26 to 10 May – Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Canberra 15 May 15 to 24 May – Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre
Wollongong 29 May to 7 June – Merrigong Theatre Company, Wollongong
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