None of the diners really knew what to expect from this performance. Some of the audience looked just as confused throughout as they themselves became almost as much a part of the performance as the actors. That’s to be expected when you are seated with strangers by a dining table for 2 hours and encouraged to have normal conversation in between surreal acts and dishes that aren’t quite what you’d call normal.
One is led into the dining room by one of two hosts of the evening. They sit you down and explain that you will be having real food and wine is sold on site. They also check for any allergies. People are encouraged to taste the food - although it may not taste as what you’d expect. Don’t arrive on a full stomach but also not on an empty one. Then the show begins. There are various guest speakers, all performed by Dan Kelly who does a great job as each of the characters. There is also a waiter and waitress, Dylan Read and Lucy Callen, that present your dishes in a unique manner and perform music in between courses. Through saying grace the three of them combined set off the humorous and absurd tone that remains throughout the play. Later on you have the option to take part in a market research about food and can listen to complaints about the chef from the waiters. And there is also time to get to know your fellow audience members, encouraged by all of the guest speakers.
The entertainment is quirky, intimate and the atmosphere is light at all times, although possibly depending on your fellow audience members somewhat. The food isn’t particularly tasty but that isn’t the point of it. It is presented in odd ways and a part of the charm is to see people’s reactions and willingness to eat edible shrubs for example. Read has wonderful room presence and great comic timing. He and Callen work well together as a musical team, where Callen’s musical talents shine through various instruments. I won’t give more away. This is an experience you’ll need to discover for yourself.
