TO celebrate the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the new musical wonder.land, the Manchester International Festival has commissioned acclaimed chef Mary-Ellen McTague (Aumbry, Great British Menu, Fat Duck) to create a magical food event at the Manchester Museum.
At High Tea in Wonderland audiences will be led behind the scenes of the museum, where: “an edible wonderland awaits them. Each room will provide a new culinary adventure — sight, sound, touch, smell and especially taste will be engaged on this most delicious trip.”
At the launch of the fifth festival Mary-Ellen described the meals scheduled for several sittings on successive Sundays (July 5, 12 and 19)as like a pyschedelic journey – a cross between the Dada Cookbook and Frank Zappa, giving diners a chance to explore the weird and wonderful exhibits in the museum.
The High Teas have sprung from one of the musical highlights of MIF 2015. wonder.land is a new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic fantqasy, with music by Damon Albarn and book and lyrics by Moira Buffini. This co-production with the National Theatre will be directed by its Director, Rufus Norris.
The more straightforward culinary offering is centred on the Festival Square – Albert Square transformed for the duration of the festival (July 2-19). Once again Paul Heathcote provides the catering, alongside a cluster of outstanding food operators, including Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, Food &, Honest Crust and Hungry Gecko (whose stuffed parahas were the pick of the lunch snacks at the launch in Old Granada Studios).
The Square is home to the Pavilion Theatre, Festival Pavilion, The Glass House and MIF Box Office. As well as hosting a programme of club nights and free DJs, innovative comedy, guided walks and exclusive talks, Festival Square offers a place to eat, drink, relax, socialize and soak up the MIF experience. The festival ale comes from Thwaites, the wine from Boutinot.
High Tea In Wonderland, Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL. Sun 5, 12 & 19 July, sittings from 11.30am. Tickets £30 / concessions £5 off. £12 for Greater Manchester residents on a lower wage.
Tickets for the entire festival go on sale to MIF members at 1pm, Thursday March 5 and to the general public at 1pm, Friday March 6. Book tickets online at www.mif.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 871 7654.