One of Edinburgh’s top chefs is taking his culinary creations to the stage after being chosen to take a starring role in Nigel’s Slater’s Toast at the Traverse Theatre.
Owner of Cater Edinburgh, Barry Bryson, 42, will be making his Fringe debut as part of the play which takes its name from the award-winning autobiography of the TV cook, author and journalist.
Vividly recreating suburban England in the 1960s, Toast tells Nigel Slater’s childhood story through the tastes and smells he grew up with. From making the perfect sherry trifle and waging war over cakes through to the playground politics of sweets and the rigid rules of restaurant dining, this is a moving and evocative tale of love, loss and toast.
Barry and his team will be adding their culinary magic to the mix by creating hundreds of lemon meringue pies for each performance, which will be made following a recipe featured in Toast. The sweet treats are a key part of the Toast story and will add an experiential element for audiences to indulge in throughout the Festival.
Barry said: ‘It’s a real honour to be working with Nigel on this amazing project. I’ve been a fan of Nigel’s for over 15 years, pretty much the point Toast came out. I still have my signed copy that I queued for in 2003 and have long been inspired by his unique style of cooking and his clear passion for creating food with integrity and flavour.
‘Toast tells the story about growing up with food, which is something that really appeals to me. I first became interested in food and cooking when I was around 11 years old and used to pester my mother in the kitchen at home in Fife to show me what she was doing and let me help. My mother was my first cooking inspiration, so much of Toast resonates with me.
‘At Cater Edinburgh, we’ve almost 10 years experience creating hand-made canapes and contemporary dining menus in a variety of locations, arts venues and pop ups, but this is the first time we’re taking our work to the stage as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I can’t wait to team up with my food hero and help give Toast the culinary flair it deserves.’
Nigel Slater’s Toast is Written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Jonnie Riordan.
Nigel said: ‘From the moment we met Barry I knew we were in safe hands. None of our extraordinary requests for delicious treats for the audience or props for the production have fazed him.
‘He has handled this very challenging brief with expertise and good humour. We cannot thank him enough.’
Based at Swanfield in Leith, Cater Edinburgh offers corporate hospitality and event services, at-home dining and entertaining in Edinburgh and beyond.
• Venue: Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh.
• Dates: Wed 8–Sun 26 Aug (No Monday performances)
• Tickets: Full price £21.50 / Standard concession £16.50 / U30s & Students £15 / Other concession £9.50
• Box office: https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event-detail/1456/nigel-slaters-toast.aspx or call 0131 228 1404.
Read more about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scottish Field HERE.
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