The Dictionary of Lost Words
1 - 22 March 2025
Roslyn Packer Theatre
The Play
The Dictionary of Lost Words
Adapted by Verity Laughton from the novel by Pip Williams
Directed by Jessica Arthur
“Do not miss out on the beauty of this show.” Time Out
The Dictionary of Lost Words returns to Sydney after a hugely celebrated interstate tour, which won the hearts of theatre and literature lovers alike.
Pip Williams’ award-winning New York Times bestseller is brought to vivid life in this wildly popular stage adaptation by Verity Laughton. “Filled with humour and historical awareness” (Broadway World) and expertly directed by Jessica Arthur (Grand Horizons, Wonnangatta), it’s no wonder this play has become a runaway success.
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 scraps to compile her own 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 beloved modern classic, featuring Arkia Ashraf, Rachel Burke, Ksenja Logos, Brian Meegan, Johnny Nasser, Shannen Alyce Quan, James Smith and Angela Nica Sullen, is a beautiful and transportive reflection on the love between a daughter and her father and a spellbinding night of theatre.
Approx. duration 2 hr 45 mins (including interval). Subject to change.
Content Strong language, mature themes, theatrical smoke and haze, and theatrical blood. Subject to change.
Dates & Prices
DATES
Previews 1 – 4 Mar 2025
Opening night performance 5 Mar 2025
Season 6 – 22 Mar 2025
Night with the Artists
Mon 10 Mar, post-show
Captioned Performances
Sat 22 Mar, 1.30pm
Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Matinee performances – Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm
PRICES
Save with a Season Ticket
Book this play as part of a Season Ticket and save*. Plus, get early access to best available seats, pay no transaction fees, and enjoy exclusive benefits all year round.
- Book a Platinum Season Ticket of 10 – 12 plays and save 20%
- Book a Gold Season Ticket of 6 – 9 plays and save 15%
- Book a Silver Season Ticket of 3 – 5 plays and save 10%
Season Ticket Holders also get access to a Seniors discounts as an exclusive benefit. Seniors card holders (excluding Senior Savers Cards) save $5 for all performances except Previews, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Season Ticket Holders can also access Concession (save $30) and Under 30s (save $50) tickets in Premium Reserve. Concession and Under 30s tickets are available for all performances except Friday and Saturday evenings.
*Discount is off full-price single tickets, excluding preview performances.
Single Ticket Price Range
Mon – Thu
Adult/Seniors $100-$125
Student/Concession $70-$125
Under 30s $50-$125**
Fri & Sat evening
All Tickets $110-$140
Sat matinee
Adult/Seniors $110-$140
Student/Concession $80-$140
Under 30s A Reserve $60-$140**
Previews
All Tickets $65-$80
**Under 30s tickets subject to availability.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
Transaction fees may apply
More info.
Concession and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au. Please quote your booking reference number.
Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats. More info.
Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket seller for this event is Sydney Theatre Company. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable.
Creatives
Director Jessica Arthur
Set Designer Jonathon Oxlade
Costume Designer Ailsa Paterson
Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest
Composer & Sound Designer Max Lyandvert
Assistant Director Shannon Rush
With
Arkia Ashraf
Rachel Burke
Ksenja Logos
Brian Meegan
Johnny Nasser
Shannen Alyce Quan
James Smith
Angela Nica Sullen
Marketing image Lisa White
This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enews.
Reviews
“An astounding performance… The Dictionary of Lost Words is a poetic experience”
“Jonathon Oxlade’s set design is an artistic masterpiece”
“Do not miss out on the beauty of this show. ★★★★ Time Out
“A meaningful work” Suzy Goes See
“A visually arresting and emotionally fulfilling performance…Recognition needs to be given to Set Designer Jonathon Oxlade and Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest whose combined efforts provide an innovative backdrop to the story.” ★★★★1/2 The AU Review
“This work has clean lines and a captivating storyline filled with humour and historical awareness” Broadway World
“An incredible set design” In Daily
“Costume designer Ailsa Paterson deserves praise for the nuance she brings to each character” The Saturday Paper
“The production design (by Jonathon Oxlade) is a marvel... Under clever and sometimes astonishing lighting (Trent Suidgeest) it can transform in a blink” Limelight
"This is a very clever realisation of Williams' novel for the stage and gives great power to key moments of this epic story." The Conversation
"The piece is a real work of art" ★★★★★ GlamAdelaide
"Spellbinding" ★★★★★ Scenestr
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