Gastronauts, Royal Court

The future of the Royal Court is looking flavoursome, as theatrical dining experience Gastronauts opens later this week. 

To be perfectly honest, we're not quite sure what to expect. Gastronauts' creators Nessa Muthy and April De Angelis have promised that you'll 'taste tomorrow' 'a theatre adventure with food and music’; but before you pick up a fork, a word of warning: this show isn't for the faint-hearted. 

Inspired by the furore surrounding the recent horsemeat scandal, Muthy and April De Angelis have done some serious homework, and discovered that food production is all about 'capitalism, exploitation of animals and workers, addiction'. 

This statement (and the fact that the production has apparently turned Muthy herself into a vegetarian) is making us a little apprehensive, and apparently only brave diners will have their appetites satisfied.

This isn't the first time the creative team have shaken things up at the Royal Court. Nessa Muthy's previous offering Hungry (2013) was performed in the back-of-house shower, one of the 'hidden shows' at the theatre's Open Court season earlier this year. April De Angelis' is known for political theatre- having been worked with feminist company The Monstrous Regiment (whose associates include Caryl Churchill; a dramatist famed for her strident sexual politics). He exploration of feminism Jumpy was met with resounding praise when it debuted at the Royal Court in 2011.

Highly theoretical, immersive 'concept' theatre is always risky, conjuring bad memories of dank fringe venues, bad acting and attempted revolution. However, given the credentials of the creative team, Gastronauts may just escape the realm of gimmick. We expect a brilliant brand of anchored surrealism- with a strong but credible agenda. 

Ticket price: £30

Age Guidance 14+