Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Ian Smith, an Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated comedian and host of the Northern News podcast, shares his unique comedic perspective and tour insights. He dives into his love for Scottish butteries and discusses nostalgia with potato waffles as comfort food. Smith also hilariously navigates a hypothetical vampire scenario, recounts memorable meals like slow-cooked lamb, and creatively proposes a risotto that fuses haggis, salmon, and saffron. The conversation culminates in sentimental dessert choices, revealing a charming mix of humor and heartfelt memories.

Stand-up comedian and activist Jen Brister returns, bringing her bold humor and insights. She shares how her culinary tastes have evolved, expressing disdain for nachos and sweet potato fries while recalling her school canteen meals with cheeky humor. Jen discusses her new tour 'Reactive' and reveals her hopes to dine on Miriam Margolies' menu. Expect laughter as she rants about protein shakes and shares a hilarious hen party anecdote. The conversation sparkles with comedic riffs, culminating in her outrage over a terrible tasting menu selection!

Gillian Anderson, the award-winning star of 'The X-Files' and 'Sex Education,' joins the conversation as a passionate foodie and entrepreneur behind the non-alcoholic drink brand G Spot. She shares her journey into creating her caffeine-free beverage line and reveals quirky food habits, including her family’s love for cooking and unique food combos like sparkling apple-water. Gillian discusses her favorite meals, including a Thanksgiving feast and a charming family tradition of green glass jello. She also hints at her upcoming projects in film and television.

Greg James, the charming Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter and author of 'All the Best for the Future', shares delightful anecdotes and his dream menu. He reminisces about a childhood Chuckle Brothers autograph that sparked his book's title. Longboy the duck saga has listeners chuckling, especially the mock funeral held on-air. Greg dives into the joy of poppadoms at curry nights, and his love for fettuccine Alfredo, paired with a big Italian red wine. He also chats about the quirks of restaurant surcharges and the perfect Parisian flan for dessert.

Rhys James, a witty stand-up comedian and author of 'You’ll Like It When You Get There,' shares fascinating insights into his comedic journey. He humorously recalls dressing in a tux for the occasion and reveals intriguing details about his dread memoir focused on avoidance and introversion. Rhys passionately discusses nostalgic food memories, from crispy buffalo wings to birria tacos, and even invents a delightful dessert of Yorkshire puddings filled with ice cream. His comedic flair shines throughout the conversation!

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.

Mawaan Rizwan, a Bafta-winning star and creator of BBC Three’s ‘Juice,’ brings his comedic flair to the mic. He shares a quirky recipe for English food while hilariously reminiscing about his time on 'Taskmaster.' The conversation navigates urban cycling, the charm of mangoes, and inventive ideas like electric prams. Mawaan also dives into nostalgic childhood meals, playful food experiments, and the joy of dining with a twist of humor, all while blending his Asian heritage with British cuisine.

Neil Hannon, the charismatic frontman of The Divine Comedy, dives into the whimsical world of his new album 'Rainy Sunday Afternoon' and his upcoming tour. He shares hilarious tales of songwriting challenges and the quirky connection between music and travel. The conversation meanders through nostalgic reflections, from perfect oranges to humorous thoughts on living with ex-partners. With playful banter, Neil and the hosts celebrate food, music, and life's delightful oddities, leaving listeners entertained and inspired.

Internationally bestselling author Marian Keyes joins for a delightful conversation. She shares insights about her latest novel, 'My Favourite Mistake,' and her experiences blending creativity with collaboration. The hosts engage in humorous tales about the Easter Bunny and culinary expectations, particularly around Irish cuisine. They tackle deep topics like alcohol addiction, reflecting on societal pressures and personal anecdotes. With playful banter and nostalgic discussions about food, Marian's warmth and wit shine through, making for an entertaining listen.

Will Sharpe, a BAFTA-winning actor and writer known for 'The White Lotus' and Lena Dunham's 'Too Much', shares his comedic insights in a delightful conversation. The guests humorously explore memories tied to Taco Bell, deep-fried fish, and Japanese kaiseki dining. They reminisce about childhood snacks while jesting about culinary preferences, including the classic club sandwich. Will also brings a whimsical perspective on vitamin drinks from Japan and reflects on musical road trip memories, adding fun anecdotes and laughter to the mix.