Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster Nina Conti
Sep 17, 2025
Nina Conti, an award-winning comedian and ventriloquist known for her beloved puppet Monkey, joins the hosts for a delightful chat. The trio dives into Nina's unique blend of comedy and performance, sharing humorous tales from her live shows. They explore playful topics like the quirks of café management, odd dining etiquette, and the nostalgia of culinary delights. Nina also provides updates on her tour and her forthcoming film, adding an extra layer of excitement to the conversation about creativity and comedy.
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Masks Keep Live Comedy Fresh
- Nina's mask technique (putting masks on audience members) constantly regenerates material and keeps shows fresh.
- She now 3D-prints masks to vary faces quickly and create unique improvised encounters.
When Live Mask Improvisation Goes Wrong
- Nina describes bombing and recovering mid-set when interactive improvisation with audience masks goes wrong.
- She watches the room closely and sometimes admits she loses her voice when the improv flips unexpectedly.
Monkey Steals The New-Material Night
- James recounts a new-material night where Nina brought out Monkey and stole the show.
- Nina says Monkey has always been her reliable performer and she mostly uses him onstage.