GASTRONOMIC
(2 EXTRA SHOWS WEDS 28th June)
Gastronomic has come to an end in Norwich.
47 Sold Out shows, 2068 audience members, 14,476 courses.
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Gastronomic is a seven-course tasting menu, prepared by three sky chefs, on board an Airbus A380 heading for London.
Ingredients mix, tastes cross-pollinate, and strangers break bread together as the chefs guide you through a British-inspired culinary journey.
On the ground at Heathrow, border control is on high alert. GASTRONOMIC reveals the blueprints of the worlds’ best chefs and celebrates the importance of eating together.
Every audience member eats the 7-course tasting menu as the story unfolds - it's a truly incredible experience.
Yes, you’ve read that correctly - each ticket includes a seven-course tasting menu*, a drink (soft or alcoholic) whilst watching a 75 minute show.
*Before booking, an allergen declaration chart is available for each course online in advance.
We want you to be safe, and we want to save the surprise. Unfortunately, due to the delivery of 252 dishes over 75 minutes, dishes cannot be exchanged due to dietary requirements.
About
Originally created as a Norwich Theatre & Shoreditch Town Hall co-commission, with development from the National Theatre Immersive Storytelling Studio. Incredible restaurant partners in Norwich include Benedict's, Shiki and Namaste Village.
Reviews of GASTRONOMIC:
‘Witty and thoughtful... subtle and skilful... ultra-high concept’ - ★★★★ - Time Out London
'A lyrical exploration of memory, migration and molecular gastronomy' - ★★★★ The Stage
'Food is a uniting force and Gastronomic is a tender feast for the heart' - ★★★★ Broadway World
'A unique experience, executed with excesses of creativity and care' - ★★★★ British Theatre Guide
‘Cunningly multi-layered... a story of survival and brave humanity’ - ★★★★ - The Upcoming
’A great evening out…it’s clever, emotional, and it’s also fun’ - ★★★★ - London Theatre Reviews
‘A poignant drama of loss and migration...food for thought’ - ★★★★ - Hackney Gazette
‘An engaging, thoughtful and shining example of humanity for us all’ - ★★★★ - A Younger Theatre
’This show is food for the mind and for the soul’ - ★★★★★ - The Spy in the Stalls
’Exquisite…it’s piquant stuff’ - Lyn Gardner, Stagedoor
21 FAQs (last updated 02.06.23)
Please read these FAQs - we hope they’ll be useful for you.
I’m trying to book for a Monday - Wednesday but can’t see it available, is it sold out? We only perform Gastronomic Thursday - Saturday due to staff/creatives availability. We hope you can find a date that suits you!
Where is the show? GASTRONOMIC is performed at curious directive’s Studio Theatre - we’re based at 49 Elm Hill, with the entrance to the theatre via BOTANICAL GARDEN GAR & KITCHEN on Wensum Street (opposite Maid’s Head hotel).
Why is the show such good value, is there a catch?(!) We think theatre, and in this case, theatre and food, shouldn’t be for the elite. So we’ve set the price as a fair amount. If you’d like to donate more on top of your ticket or afterwards, there is an opportunity to do this at the checkout.
What’s the age restriction? This is a show for 14+; the production contains foul language / there is a trace of alcohol in one of the dishes, which we leave to parent/guardian to decide about consumption.
I can't seem to get tickets to sit together on the seating map, can you sort this? Our ticketing system does allow allocated seats, but it is on a first come, first served basis. But rest assured if there’s only a handful of tickets left and you’re not sat next to each other, you won’t miss out.
Do we eat the food / have our drink before or after the show? Neither - the food is served during the play. You can have your drink before the show, or during the show - it’s up to you. Our Bar staff/FOH will be fully briefed for you to enjoy your visit.
Why can’t I have dishes swapped out? GASTRONOMIC is predominantly a play, with food. Unfortunately, due to the delivery of 308 dishes over 75 minutes, dishes cannot be exchanged due to dietary requirements..
Why isn’t the full menu being shared in advance? GASTRONOMIC is predominantly a play, with food. It’s a creative decision to not spoil the story. The allergens list of all the dishes shares the information the FSA advises to share.
What if me or a member of my party has a particular reaction to an ingredient which isn’t on the allergen list? Please do email us on info@curiousdirective.com / We’ll consult with the Chefs, and let you know if that ingredient is used in any of the dishes - then you can make an informed decision about booking in with us, or not.
I have a gluten intolerance, can you cater for this? No, we’re afraid not. All allergens are listed in the allergens list above.
Is the show immersive? The show is immersive in some senses, but it is a play. It just happens that you’re eating along with the storyline.
What are the drinks options? We have a wide range of wines, beers and spirits for you to choose from. The ticket deal INCLUDES a 125ml glass any wine, a pint of beer/cider from our taps or single shot/mixer of a spirit. Cocktails are not included in the ticket price but can be purchased as a second drink before you go into the show!
Can I take my drink in? Yes, you can.
Can I have another drink during the show? Yes, although we strongly advise you purchase a second drink before entering the theatre - so you don’t miss the performance and you don’t disrupt the experience for others (with coming/going).
I’ve purchased a bottle of wine on the ‘donation’ part of the checkout. When should I claim this? When you arrive, it will be clear your ticket includes this. You can choose to have the bottle of wine with your group first, and then claim your drink included with your ticket before you go in - or really any combination including that and others. Our Bar staff/FOH will be fully briefed for you to enjoy your visit.
How long is the show? 75 minutes straight through (without an interval).
If I’m late, will i be let in? Yes, but there are specific latecomer times - around 5-7 minutes into the show start time and then again 15 minutes in. We will do our very best to get you in!
Is the venue wheelchair accessible? Yes, the theatre is wheelchair accessible. There is a platform lift (up to 225kg) which can be used on arrival.
Are there toilets? Yes, we have two gender neutral toilets. Unfortunately we are in a medieval church and we do not have accessible toilets. However, we have a good relationship with The Maid’s Head Hotel (directly opposite) and will ensure visiting patrons have an excellent experience with us. Any concerns, please do get in touch.
Is there parking? We do not have on-site parking. The closest is Monastery Court Car Park.
Can I book a big group? Yes, feel free to get in touch via info@curiousdirective.com - our Friday night performance (8:30pm show) might be the best fit if it is a large group.
T&C’s
If I (or one of my party) can’t now attend, do you offer refunds? We are a very small charity. We are therefore unable to offer refunds.
Can I exchange for another night? Potentially. But we require a minimum 2 weeks’ notice (from the date of the request to the performance) to the request to exchange. i.e if you request to exchange a ticket for 8th July, on the 3rd July, we’re unable to accommodate this. Otherwise, it is very difficult for us to sell your tickets in advance.
We kindly ask you to find others to take/purchase your tickets from you (let us know their names, and book in another time for yourself (if you would like to). Any questions, please contact info@curiousdirective.com.
