Spoken Word performances. In my younger years, I would have scoffed at such a thing, thinking it was just for hipsters and undiscovered poets. But, at Adelaide Fringe 2026, I’m trying to branch out and see art forms that I’ve never really appreciated before. With Feast of Words, we got to enjoy the ultimate in Fringe indulgence. The combination of spoken word, song, story and food, all in the one beautiful setting. What a night! What an experience!

It may have been wet and raining, but I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting than the courtyard of Treasury 1860. With a marquee set up, the gentle pitter-patter of rain added to the ambience of the beautiful surroundings that patrons were welcomed into. With "Feast of Words" as the show title, guests were treated to a three-course meal that paired with artist Casey-Jay Andrews' spoken-word stories and was backed by composer Jack Brett on guitar. 

First course: Porcini and Truffle Arancini served with black garlic aioli.

Casey-Jay looked at the humble mushroom for her spoken word piece. Evoking feelings of isolation and self, she told the story of Fern and her father Ian. Fern was a steadfast woman. Too proud to ask for help, she wanted to do things on her own but was too scared to mention to Ian that she needed to move back into her parents' home due to money issues.

Second Course: Kangaroo served with carrots, tomato on rosemary and juniper jus.

For this main dish, Casey Jay looked at the ingredients rosemary and juniper. Rosemary represents remembering, while juniper represents forgetting. The spoken word piece she created from these two words was about a boy named John and his uncle Martin. John was staying with Martin while his parents were at the hospital, about to give birth to a second child. The one thing that stuck in this little boy's mind was “When my parents have another baby, will they forget about me?” Heartwarming, sad yet touching, Casey Jay really has a beautiful way with words; her story made the whole audience sit up and pay attention. The guitar playing by Jack Brett added to the story without overtaking it.

Third Course: Wasabi, whiskey and Liquorice root Crème Brulé served with Adelaide Hills Bush Honey ice Cream

Wasabi was used as the catalyst for this piece. It takes a while to grow, and when it does, it doesn’t last that long, so appreciate it when it is around. So was the story of Peter and Flora. After Flora’s tragic passing, Peter struggles to move on with life. Too busy looking back, he forgets about what he enjoys most in life and must find a way to move on while keeping Flora’s memory alive.

These were some truly touching stories, and Casey Jay uses aspects from her real life to create these word-filled masterpieces. Along for this ninety-minute spoken-word ride, we also got to enjoy other live music, a delicious lime and rosewater sorbet, and a poignant story from Fringe performer James Rowland about astronomer Carl Sagan. What a wholesome evening. Even without the food, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this Fringe think-piece. Feast of Words delivers a mouthful of happiness. 

*****Five Stars