The Bookbinder of Jericho

Following the triumph of sold-out national tours of The Dictionary of Lost Words, the acclaimed creative team returns with The Bookbinder of Jericho, based on Pip Williams’ internationally bestselling companion novel.

In 1914 in Oxford, England, as war redraws the world, Peggy and Maude Jones continue stitching pages, repairing spines and preserving stories – while their own lives begin to unravel. Peggy dreams of something more. More than the bindery. More than the narrow life expected of a working-class woman. But ambition comes at a cost, and leaving behind the sister who depends on her may be the hardest choice she’ll ever make.

As the war rages on, refugees arrive, old certainties collapse and new possibilities emerge. Peggy is forced to decide whether duty will define her life – or whether she’ll finally dare to write her own story. Filled with music, poetry and unforgettable characters, this powerful historical drama explores sisterhood, ambition, sacrifice and the enduring power of words.

The Bookbinder of Jericho is a celebration of the women whose stories history almost forgot.

“A celebration of the power of language.” — The Dictionary of Lost Words stage adaptation, ArtsHub

“The set, created by Jonathon Oxlade […] is arranged with such delicacy it is almost a work of art in itself.” — The Dictionary of Lost Words stage adaptation, The Sydney Morning Herald

CONTENT
Suitable for ages 14+

RUN TIME
2 hours and 20 mins including an interval

Tickets are now on sale as part of a subscriptions package.

Package 4-6 Plays from our main season to access the best seats in the house, discounted ticket prices and exclusive benefits. Plus, get priority access and discounts for our Add-on show and SAPRK program.

Single tickets will be on sale in December.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 9 October, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 11 October, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance), with a post-show Q&A

Captioned Performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons
Wednesday, 13 October, 11.00am
Wednesday, 13 October, 6:30pm

Relaxed Performance
Monday, 11 October 6:30pm, with a post-show Q&A

Relaxed Performances are a welcoming theatre experience with adjusted lighting, sound, and conventions.

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

Subscriber Briefing
2027 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Monday, 20 September, 6.00pm

Post Show Q&As
We hold Q&As with our artists and creative teams so that you can ask questions about the production.
– Monday, 11 October
– Wednesday, 13 October

A Date with State
Supported by the Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card, join us for our 2027 A Date With State program, with pre-show tea and coffee before the performance and a post-show Q&A.
– Wednesday, 13 October, 10.00am (pre-show tea and coffee), 11.00am (performance)

School groups can book students into the following matinee performances:

School performances
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

• • Wednesday 13 October 11:00am

Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a Teacher Subscription

Venue Access

This show will be performed at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre.

The recommended Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre drop off zone is at the northern end of the Riverbank Footbridge on War Memorial Drive (walk across the Footbridge to Dunstan Playhouse) or at the Intercontinental Hotel (walk north between the Intercontinental Hotel and Railway Station along the laneway to the Riverbank). There is also a drop off area and two accessible car spaces on lower Festival Drive, accessible from the west via Montefiore Road.

Getting to the Venue

Adelaide Festival Centre is easily accessible by public transport, including the tram (stop at Railway Station), trains, buses and a free bus service that operates on a loop throughout the city and North Adelaide with stops on the corner of King William Road and North Terrace.

For more information visit https://adelaidemetro.com.au/

For information about parking near the Adelaide Festival Centre, please click here.

Dining Options

Malt Shovel Taphouse
Located at the Adelaide Festival Centre at the end of the Adelaide Oval footbridge
Open Wednesday 3pm-11pm and Thursday – Sunday 11.30am-late

The Strathmore Hotel
Located 5 minutes from the Dunstan Playhouse at 29 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Open 7 days, 11am – 3am