Gluttony: The Play debuts at the Hotel Windsor in Melbourne

An immersive eating, drinking and theatre experience — where the actors and guests are seated at the same dinner table — is returning this month in a grand city dining room.

Immersive dining experience, Gluttony: The Play, debuts at The Hotel Windsor this week, featuring a star-studded cast including Elise Jansen, Michelle Myers, Damian Walshe-Howling, Aaron James Campbell, Brett Cousins, Claudia Greenstone and Darcie Kent. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Nick Parr remembers exactly where he was when inspiration hit for his new theatre show; Gluttony: The Play.

“I was at a dinner party, 20 years ago, and it really kicked off. It all became very emotional, but the food was amazing and we had so many laughs and jokes,” he said.

“I thought — this would make the perfect play, so I sat down and wrote it.”

Though the script sat on the shelf for years until Parr found the right chef who could help bring his left-of-field creation to life.

Then he met Rob Kabboord (Quay, Sydney), about 12 months ago, and the rest is history.

Gluttony: The Play is an immersive theatre experience which debuted at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival earlier this year.

The evening sees 20 or so theatregoers seated for dinner to a three-course feed which is all part of the act.

Playwright Nick Parr and chef Rob Kabboord (Quay, Sydney) are behind the immersive food and wine experience. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Aussie TV and theatre royalty lead the cast, including Damian Walshe Howling (Underbelly), Brett Cousins (Neighbours) and Michelle Myers.

Don’t worry, Parr says the actors won’t engage with dinner guests, despite being seated next to them.

“They (diners) literally could touch them, and have the best seat in house,” he said.

“But it’s not like Witches and Britches, there’s no audience engagement. Think of it like being at a restaurant and watching a fight you shouldn’t be looking at. But here, you can actually watch the fight.”

Kabboord co-wrote the show and the recipes of food served to guests as part of the experience, while his wife and sommelier Bronwyn selected the wine.

After it’s impressive 18-show debut at The Lincoln pub earlier this year, Gluttony is moving to a bigger and better space at The Hotel Windsor — with more shows, and audience capacity.

“We’ll have more people in the audience this time around,” Parr said.

“I love it. The ensemble, the actors, the food — all the right ingredients have come together and this is a dream come true.”

Gluttony: The Play, The Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring St, Melbourne, from October 9 till November 4.