Following a record-breaking, sold-out season, The Dictionary of Lost Words has returned to the Dunstan Playhouse, and Adelaide audiences are already falling in love all over again. 

Images by Prudence Upton

After captivating audiences across Australia and making history as the fastest-selling production ever staged at the Dunstan Playhouse, The Dictionary of Lost Words returns home. 

Adapted by SA playwright Verity Laughton, the play is based on Pip Williams’ Ruby Award-winning novel of the same name. The State Theatre Company South Australia production is on Adelaide stages now until April 17, as part of a broader national tour in 2025.

In 1901, the word bondmaid was discovered missing from the Oxford English Dictionary. The Dictionary of Lost Words is the story of the girl who found it. 

Ever curious, Esme spends her childhood hidden under the table of a “Scrippy” – the Scriptorium where her father, Harry, and fellow lexicographers are constructing the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. It’s here where she starts to form her own dictionary from the words discarded, overlooked and left under the table – lost words that belong to females. 

As Esme grows, so too does her world. She meets actresses, suffragettes, market traders and workers – women whose words and stories deserve a place in history. They help her discover the power of gathering and lending voices. And on the way, she comes to understand the many meanings of the word “love”.

“Esme’s perspective is curious and compelling and it is a pleasure to be able to bring it back to life with such an exceptional creative team, cast and crew,” says director Jessica Arthur. “Every time we revisit this rich text, we find more ways to appreciate what an incredible adaptation it is.”

Arthur leads an exceptional creative team, including set designer Jonathon Oxlade, costume designer Ailsa Paterson, lighting designer Trent Suidgeest and composer and sound designer Max Lyandvert, who return to craft the richly textured world of The Dictionary of Lost Words. 

Actor Ksenja Logos also returns to the stage this season, whose performance as Mable and Dittie has been praised for its “remarkable versatility” (Glam Adelaide) and a “masterclass in physical nuance and acting” (Stage Whispers). 

Six the Musical’s Shannen Alyce Quan joins this year’s cast as Esme, alongside Kathryn Adams as housemaid Lizzie Lester, Arkia Ashraf as Gareth, Brian Meegan as Sir James Murray, Johnny Nasser as Esme’s father Harry, Angela Nica Sullen as Tilda Taylor and James Smith as Bill Taylor.  

Whether you’re a returning fan or discovering Esme’s world for the first time, this is a production not to be missed. But get in quick — this is the only show in State Theatre Company South Australia’s history to sell out before opening night.

The Dictionary of Lost Words plays at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, from April 3–17. Buy your tickets here.