Mayor Feels The Heat As Crunch Time Serves Up Democracy On A Plate

By Amanda Wright

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson swapped council chambers for kitchen chaos earlier this week, stepping into the spotlight as guest chef for Crunch Time, a theatrical dining experience that’s stirring more than just soup.

Part of this year’s Mackay Festival of Arts, Crunch Time is no ordinary dinner party. Co-commissioned by Metro Arts and the Next Wave Festival, the critically acclaimed event transforms the dining table into a democratic battleground, where a select group of twelve diners vote on every ingredient of a five-course meal.

The twist? The chef must cook the meal in real time, based entirely on the whims of the table – and in Mackay, those chefs are our civic and cultural leaders.

Mayor Williamson took up the tongs on Tuesday night and emerged (just barely) with dignity intact.

“What a fantastic night at Crunch Time — it was equal parts challenging and a lot of fun stepping into the chef’s hat for the evening,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone who came along, cast their votes, and put me to the test with some very interesting ingredient combinations! Live theatre while cooking was an interesting concept.”

With cameras trained on the kitchen and diners demanding their say, the mayor admitted, “The heat in the kitchen was real,” before thanking the event organisers and the “team who kept me on track.”

Held at the MECC, this bold blend of performance, politics and plate has been serving up laughs, live-action, and a side of existential dread as diners discover that democracy isn’t always delicious. Earlier this week, Rebel Nation director Jade McAuley and Tri Activ8’s Nikki Giles also took their turn at the stove on Wednesday and Thursday nights, proving that leadership takes guts—especially when wielding a ladle.

But there’s no rest for the weary – tonight, it’s Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton facing the culinary curveballs, and this weekend Triple M’s Dave Peters (Saturday) and Jay Shipston (Sunday) will round out the Crunch Time chef lineup, proving once and for all that broadcasting and barbecuing are very different arts.

Awarded the Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work at the 2018 Matilda Awards, Crunch Time challenges audiences to confront the messy realities of collective decision-making. Satisfaction is never guaranteed – especially if your fellow guests have a fondness for coriander.

With just twelve seats per show, this is one of the most intimate (and unpredictable) events on the festival calendar. While most performances are close to sold out, a few last-minute tickets may still be available – visit the MECC box office to check for availability.

Whether you’re craving conversation, comedy or chaos on a plate, Crunch Time is serving it up hot all week long. Just don’t expect a quiet night or a predictable menu.

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Mayor Greg Williamson shares a moment with the kitchen pro keeping him on track during his Crunch Time debut

Mayor Williamson feeling the pressure as he prepares a five-course democratic feast live on stage

The first group of brave Crunch Time diners, served a menu crafted under pressure by none other than the Mayor himself. Photos supplied

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