Disruptive, performative and delicious

Sydney, 2016: At Sydney’s Cell Block Theatre of Darlinghurst Gaol, the legendary tale of Australia’s first brewer, James Squire, was brought to life in the world’s first ‘Edible Biography’.

A seven-course feast drew inspiration from James Squire’s richly varied life story, as guests relived his journey from criminal to Australia’s most celebrated brewer – a story told through theatrical performances and gastronomic wonder.

Set-piece moments included:

• invitations that opened with a surprising gunpowder snap


• an indoor thunderstorm, complete with hop-flavoured nitrogen clouds


• a literal interpretation of James Squire's One Fifty Lashes beer, with meat tenderised with a live Cat o’ Nine Tails lashing


• an enormous funeral procession that introduced the  final course of cheese in a coffin.

The menu channelled traditional 18th Century fare, with a contemporary twist – and each course paired with beer from  the range, sometimes served as cocktails.

Photography by Dominic Loneragan.