Bringing a story to life with poise, polish, precision and pizzazz is a fine art that few can master to the extent that they figuratively hold a room in the palm of one’s hand. But such is the craftsmanship of writer and performer Ralph McCubbin Howell, who has more than the odd trick up his sleeve. With stacked bookshelves as a backdrop, a man is slumped over a wooden desk in the foreground, on which a printed sign reads “Apprentice Sought”. Such is the sight that greets patrons as they pile into The Show Room at Arts Centre Melbourne.
On an old-style, horn gramophone, an operatic record is playing, before it gets stuck. The man is awoken from his slumber and, with the use of a large, pop-up book and puppetry, begins to weave a most compelling, humorous and magical dark tale. For let’s face it, the most absorbing stories, more often than not, have a shadowy underbelly. As the fable unfolds, peals of laughter ring out from the children in the audience, while adults are equally transfixed.
The seasoned bookbinder – for that is what the key character is – relays the saga and fate of a previous apprentice. The artisan takes the trainee under his wing, imploring him to approach each job with exactitude and care, and not to take short cuts. Furthermore, his salutary advice is never to do anything that can’t be undone. Over time, the apprentice learns his trade, but finds the lack of pace tedious. Then, one day, in deep midwinter, a mysterious woman enters the shop.
She queries whether a book she has brought with her, that hasn’t been well cared for, could be repaired by the end of the week. The eager intern says he can do better than that, asking the customer to return the following day, when the job will be complete. Hearing that, the bookbinder offers to undertake the task himself, but the apprentice won’t hear of it, saying he is up to the challenge. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
And so it is that, unbeknown to the novice at the time, he is about to undertake a perilous journey that will transport him into a world of make believe. Against an ear pleasing musical backdrop, Ralph McCubbin Howell weaves a most astonishing and absorbing story, with no shortage of twists. The use of lighting and sound makes for a complete sensory experience. McCubbin Howell is dynamic, driven and determined to add awe-inspiring detail, which he does with distinction. Cut outs, shadow puppetry and paper mache figurines are all part of the equation. So, too, the tools of the bookbinder craft.
And upon completion of his 55-minute yarn, after he takes his bow, he invites those assembled to crowd around his desk and ask him any questions they may have. That is when he reveals some of his secrets. His attention to detail is simply incredible as very few in the audience choose to leave before they take a closer look. This wildly inventive one-man show had its humble beginnings in the back room of a second-hand New Zealand bookshop. It has since toured around Australia, South Africa, the UK, Canada, the USA and China, fittingly claiming awards and much adulation along the way.
Massive plaudits to McCubbin Howell, director Hannah Smith, composer and sound designer Tane Upjohn Beatson and graphic designer Edward Watson. The Bookbinder is an immersive work of creative genius, which is on at The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne until 1st May, 2026. For more information about Trick of the Light Theatre, go to https://www.trickofthelight.co.nz/show-programmes-1/the-bookbinder.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- War Horse (National Theatre of Great Britain) – theatre review
- Ishmael (Dead Puppet Society) – theatre review
- Bladderwrack (Theatre Works’ Explosives Factory) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.