In a world where cheap means of mass-production reign supreme and new books are but a few clicks and an overnight delivery away, the traditional trade of the bookbinder is all but a lost art. Even more scarce perhaps than the existence of independent bookstores to stock said books, and folks who will turn to literature to learn about something, rather than just skimming an auto-generated summary online.

The potent nostalgia and potential for mysticism that shrouds the specialised trade of preserving and restoring books is the foundation of The Bookbinder – an inventive one-man show set in a bookbinder’s workshop from award-winning Aotearoa/New Zealander company, Trick of the Light Theatre.

The Bookbinder. Photo © Philip Merry/axolotl photography

An unconventional and charming twist on your traditional dark fairytale recommended for audiences aged eight-years-old and up, this absorbing and humorous performance has the power to entrance children and reel in the adults as well. In fact, you don’t even need to find a curious child to take along as an excuse – this magical little show is for anyone who appreciates good stagecraft.

Our onstage...