MAYBE there will be a second helping of Toast after all. Nigel Slater always swore he’d never write a sequel to his award-winning 2203 coming of age in the kitchen memoir. But he may have let his guard slip during a Fodder Podcast he recorded with our own Matty White (below).
In the interview the avuncular Observer food writer and BBC presenter confesses: I don’t know… I don’t actually have one planned."
Matt: "Well it’s been a no before – so this is progress."
Nigel: There’s been a definite no.. a definite no… I honestly… I’m not sure…. I’m going to leave a maybe.
Then he confirms that its not a "No, any more."
Maybe he’ll be responding to public demand after the tour of Toast’s stage adaptation, which premieres at The Lowry on Wednesday May 23 as part of Week 53 arts festival. It tell the story of Nigel’s suburban childhood through the tastes and smells he grew up with in the Sixties.
To reflect this, audiences will be offered samples of the dishes and tastes central to Nigel’s story during the show. There’s also a special pre-theatre designed by Nigel in the arts complex’s Pier 8 restaurant.
Head chef Oliver Thomas will cook three courses inspired by dishes in the book – a starter of pan-fried woodland mushrooms, toasted brioche, poached hen’s egg and tarragon; poached ham, creamed potatoes, broccoli, parsley cream; peach and almond trifle. Available from May 17-June 2.
The dramatisation stars Sam Newton (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) as the adolescent Nigel. Sam told us: “Toast is a lovely story about a boy who struggled to find himself growing up who then found his way. It’s a story that lots of people will be able to connect with and relate to in terms of their own childhood experiences.
“I am a foodie – my mum was always keen that I learned about food when I was growing up and she’s probably even more excited than anyone about me playing Nigel. I’ve been making a new Nigel Slater recipe every day – which is the closest to method acting I'll get!”
Toast, Wed May 23-Sat June 2. 7.30pm. Tickets £20. The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ. 0843 208 6000. Sam and Nigel picture by Piers Foley.