HOME BREW FESTIVAL
We’ve talked about the trend in theatre tapas before. But a micro-brewed performance festival? That’s news to us. Still, in this sticky weather, we’ll welcome anything that places both entertainment and an icy cold beer on the table. We speak to Phil Spencer, one of the curators behind this weekend’s first ever Home Brew festival, about what to expect …
What happens to theatre when you soak it in beer?
We’re not 100 percent sure. We did some tests earlier last week and it either charms, entertains and enlightens you…or it makes you feel a bit bloated. We’ll see on the night.
How did you go about gathering the line-up?
My comrade Brett Pritchard sent me to see The Brothers Grim one night last year and I was blown away. These guys are seriously good. We concocted a plan to lure them to the Old Fitzroy Theatre and it’s worked. We’re stoked. The other performers, writers and musicians on board [including Caleb Lewis, Old Ropes, Tin Shed and The Deep Sea Astronauts] are from all over town, various people I cornered and promised a case of beer and something a bit different.
Are we to expect experimental of a chilli-infused pilsener variety, or something much more exotic?
Ha. It’ll probably be a fruity little boutique beer with a funny picture of your favourite poet scrawled on the bottle. The festival will be really relaxed. We have got some quality art and the Old Fitzroy Hotel is the perfect setting for a cracking night of entertainment.
Dec 16-18, Old Fitzroy Theatre, cnr Dowling & Cathedral Sts, Woolloomooloo, $21-35 (with a beer & a laksa!), 8019 0282, rocksurfer.org
