The Bookbinder of Jericho | Pip Williams' bestseller comes to Adelaide stage

South Australian author Pip Williams is bringing another bestseller to the stage. The Bookbinder of Jericho, the companion piece to her international hit The Dictionary of Lost Words, will have its world premiere at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre in September 2027.

The production is a co-presentation from State Theatre Company South Australia, Sydney Theatre Company and Arts Centre Melbourne. After its Adelaide premiere, the play will travel to the Sydney Opera House.

Theatre lovers can join the waitlist now ahead of State Theatre Company’s Season 2027 launch on September 30. Join the waitlist here.

A story about knowledge and who gets to keep it

Set in 19th century Oxford, The Bookbinder of Jericho is told from the viewpoint of Peggy, twin sister to Maude from The Dictionary of Lost Words. The novel explores who gets to make knowledge, who gets to access it, and what is lost when it is withheld.

South Australian playwright Verity Laughton has adapted the novel for the stage. Laughton brought the vivid world of the Ruby Award-winning The Dictionary of Lost Words to the stage for two sell-out seasons in Adelaide and nationally.

The creative team

New Adelaide talent Billie-Rose Russell will play Maude, alongside Melissa Kahraman and Ksenja Logos, both returning from The Dictionary of Lost Words.

The production will feature designer Jonathon Oxlade, costume designer Ailsa Paterson and sound designer Max Lyandvert, under the direction of Shannon Rush.

State Theatre Company Artistic Director Petra Kalive says she is thrilled to bring Williams’ second book to life on stage.

“Pip Williams and Verity Laughton have a way with history that I find almost unfair. They use the world of a century ago, the bindery girls and the printed sheets, the war remaking the city outside, to speak directly to the choices we’re making right now,” she says. “It’s going to be truly excellent.”