There is much excitement in the theatre world about the return to Belvoir Street of the 2010 production of THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING. It’s back again with the same script (Richard Tulloch), Director (Neil Armfield), Set and Costume Designer (Kim Carpenter) and the same original cast members.
Richard Tulloch (living part time in Amsterdam), was able to translate and adapt the beloved Dutch author, Guus Kuijer’s novel, “Het Boek Van Alle Dingen” into the play, THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING. It had award-winning seasons at Belvoir Street (2010) and the Melbourne Theatre Company (2013) after touring around Australia. In 2014, the play had a successful run in New York City at The New Victory Theatre.
The play is delightful. It is wise, witty, warm and wicked. From the moment the cast shuffle in together onstage, the sharp and focused movement and humour, so cleverly directed by Neil Armfield is captivating. The actors are onstage almost all the time. Often in the corners or on their ladders doing funny sound effects with funny objects.
Lead character, the nine, almost-ten year old son, Thomas Klopper, (played by Matthew Whittet with a likeable and skilful cuteness and a naive sadness) loves to write. He carries a notebook, writes his thoughts down. He has imaginings or visions which go into his book of everything – summer hailstorms, a hoard of hopping frogs and tropical fish that he sees in the canals.
One of his imaginary friends is Jesus, (played humorously by John Leary), who appears from time to time and gives him kind and easy answers.
Thomas’ father (played with a suitably offensive and stern temperament by John Gaden) is a religious man with no humour or empathy, the opposite of imaginary Jesus. The family, Mother, (played by Claire Jones with resignation and love only for her children), and sister Margot (played beautifully and energetically by Rebecca Massey) put up with father until he goes too far.
The Dutch sensibility in the story comes from its WWII history. As the novel and play are set in 1951, the Dutch were still struggling with the consequences of German occupation from May 10, 1940 to May 6, 1945. The father’s character is full of fear and bottled up hatred.
Thomas is infatuated with a neighbour, Eliza, who is 16 years old. Eliza (played with light and beauty by Bridie McKim), has a leather leg. Thomas is fascinated by her and writes her a hopeful letter.
He meets the “witch”. The lady next door, Mrs Van Amersfoort, (played by the wonderful, enchanting actress, Julie Forsyth), is teased and rejected by the children who call her a witch. Thomas helps her with her shopping. This leads to an unlikely and meaningful friendship. She asks him what he wants to be when he grows up. He says, “I’m going to be happy”.
Pamela Rabe is fabulous as Aunty Pie. She is strong, independent and rides her bike everywhere.
Musician Jack Ward plays various instruments throughout the play, including cello and piano. He is multi talented and very creative.
Composer extraordinaire is Iain Grandage and the lighting by Nigel Levings enhances the play as does the sound by Steve Francis.
Designer Carpenter’s giant book that dominates the stage is a fabulous set prop. The actors change the pages to change rooms. The paintings on the book are fanciful and delightful.
You must see THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING. It is a splendid play for both adults and children.
The sombre and whimsical themes explored are balanced beautifully by all involved.
THE BOOK OF EVERYTHING plays the Belvoir Street Theatre in Surry Hills until the 20th September, 2026.
Production photography by Brett Boardman
