Support Brisbane Theatre by Seeing ‘The Paige Turner Bookshop’

There is something special about seeing a story created in your own city.

This October, The Paige Turner Bookshop will bring a brand new professional youth production to the Enoggera Performing Arts Centre, with Brisbane artists involved at every stage of bringing the story to life.

Written by Brisbane playwright Harry Fritsch and directed by Play on Stage Artistic Director Virag Dombay, the production has been created by a local team that includes an animation designer, lighting designers and a cast of Brisbane performers.

For families looking for a fun day or night at the theatre, it is also a chance to directly support the people helping Brisbane’s arts scene grow.

Book your tickets to The Paige Turner Bookshop today!

A new story created here in Brisbane

The Paige Turner Bookshop follows six young people who visit a mysterious neighbourhood bookshop in the Brisbane suburb of Middle Park looking for something to read. Miss Paige, the unusual owner behind the counter, however, seems to have her own ideas about which books they need.

From there, the young visitors begin to discover stories they never expected to find.

It is a funny and emotionally rich new work that celebrates books, creativity and growing up. Younger audience members can enjoy the characters and humour, while there is plenty within the story for adults to connect with as well.

At the centre of it all is a professional team of Brisbane artists who have spent months developing the production for local audiences.

“‘The Paige Turner Bookshop’ is a love letter to all writers, storytellers and bookworms. It’s a play that celebrates the escapism of reading and how a great book can empower its reader. It’s also a story about vulnerability, about feeling the courage to open up about how you’re feeling in front of a group of strangers. It’s a story about imagination and literature being a form of empowerment - something that I hope we can all relate to” - Virag Dombay, director of the Paige Turner Bookshop.

Pictured: The cast of The Playground in the Sky (2025 Season)

Supporting the artists in our own backyard

Choosing to see local theatre makes a genuine difference. Every ticket helps organisations such as Play on Stage continue producing original work and offering professional opportunities to young performers. It also gives local creatives the chance to develop their craft in front of a real audience.

For the young actors appearing in The Paige Turner Bookshop, performing in a professional production provides experience that simply cannot be recreated inside a classroom or rehearsal room. They get to work alongside experienced theatre makers while taking responsibility for helping deliver a full production to paying audiences.

For Gemma Keliher, who plays the mysterious Miss Paige, the production also offers the opportunity to lead a local cast through a completely original Brisbane story:

“I'm thrilled to be a part of ‘The Paige Turner Bookshop’ cast; not only is it a magical story, but I'm proud to be involved with a professional production that champions local Brisbane young people. We have such an amazing local arts community here and feeling that sense of community is one of my favourite things about working in theatre. I think it is so important to support our local talent both on and off stage, and by coming along to see this show you are directly supporting your Brisbane neighbours.”

- Gemma Keliher 

Make your next family theatre trip a local one

Brisbane has a thriving creative community, but local theatre relies on people turning up and giving new work a chance. Seeing an original production means supporting the writers who create new Australian stories and the directors who shape them for the stage. Your ticket also supports the designers and performers whose work brings those stories to life.

For families, The Paige Turner Bookshop is an opportunity to enjoy an accessible professional production while showing young artists that Brisbane audiences are excited to see what they create.

The Paige Turner Bookshop runs at the Enoggera Performing Arts Centre from 17 to 24 October 2026.

Come along, discover what is waiting inside Miss Paige’s mysterious bookshop and support professional theatre made right here in Brisbane.

Book your tickets today and support Brisbane’s local arts community.