Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

In this lively conversation, Olga Koch, a Russian-British stand-up comedian and writer, shares her witty insights on food and relationships. They dive into hilarious anecdotes about childhood food fears and the appeal of prawn cocktails, reminiscing about nostalgic dining experiences. Olga playfully discusses the complexities of 'hall passes' and navigates preferences like sparkling water while connecting humor with personal stories. The talk also touches on memorable desserts, quirky food competitions, and of course, a few laughs about coffee's unexpected effects.

This week’s guest is Sebastian Stan, renowned for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and films like 'A Different Man.' He shares hilarious anecdotes about pranks on set, including a fart machine and a memorable birthday surprise with animals. The group dives into identity and representation in filmmaking, while also reminiscing about childhood food nostalgia like spaghetti and Kinder Eggs. Expect laughter over culinary debates and playful banter about Marvel, as Sebastian explores the balance of humor and food in life.

In this delightful chat, comedy writer Robert Popper, known for 'Friday Night Dinner' and his hilarious 'The Timewaster Letters,' shares his comedic insights. The conversation flows from quirky dining preferences and childhood food memories to the amusing adventures of Elsie Drake, a tech-challenged 104-year-old letter writer. They explore whimsical concepts like a podcast about fish and the absurdity of celebrity dining experiences. Popper's playful anecdotes blend nostalgia with humor, making for an engaging and entertaining conversation.

Jessica Hynes, a Bafta-winning actor and writer known for her roles in 'Spaced' and 'The Franchise,' welcomes us with humor to her dream restaurant. The conversation dives into nostalgic candy floss memories and the absurdity of living yogurt, prompting laughs about quirky marketing. Culinary adventures abound as they reminisce about poppadoms and lentil soup, reflecting on the joy of cooking during lockdown. The playful banter includes discussions on personalized drinks and whimsical restaurant ideas, all seasoned with laughter and delightful anecdotes.

Danny Dyer, the charismatic actor from EastEnders, spicy discussions ensue as he shares hilarious stories about his soap opera experiences, including those iconic cliffhanger moments. He dives into his new series 'Rivals' and reflects on his unique food preferences, stirring nostalgia by reminiscing about childhood favorites like curry sauce and chips. With a sprinkle of royal connections, he entertains with tales of family ties to historical figures, all while exploring the quirky dynamics of cooking and family meals.

Ella Purnell, renowned for her roles in 'Fallout' and 'Yellowjackets', shares a delightful mix of nostalgia and whimsy. She chats about the rehydrating machine from 'Spy Kids', sparking childhood memories of spy gadgets. Ella also dishes on culinary adventures, showcasing the charm of unique food combinations like Marmite and butter. With humor, she recalls her funniest dining moments and disastrous date stories, rounding off the conversation with playful banter on food preferences and memorable dining exploits.

This week, British pop royalty Rick Astley joins the conversation. Best known for his iconic hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up,' he dives into his new autobiography, sharing candid stories from his career. They explore his relationship with fame and creativity, and the joy of memorable dining experiences in Italy. Rick also shares humorous culinary anecdotes, including the trials of shellfish consumption and a love for Italian cuisine, all while infusing a sense of nostalgia and good humor into their delightful banter.

Rukmini Iyer, author of the best-selling 'Roasting Tin' cookbooks, brings her culinary expertise to the conversation. They tackle humorous parenting anecdotes and children’s food quirks while debating the merits of poppadoms versus bread. Rukmini shares insights from her new book, 'The Green Cookbook', and delves into the creative process behind food styling on film sets. The episode is filled with lighthearted banter about fried food fantasies, imaginative drinks, and the joy of culinary creativity.

In this delightful conversation, comedian Josh Widdicombe shares his love for simple dishes like cheesy chips and fondly reminisces about 90s poppadoms. He humorously critiques the absurdities of comedy tours and reflects on beverage preferences tied to personal anecdotes. The chat delves into nostalgic moments around toast and favorite Indian cuisine while playfully debating culinary favorites. With entertaining stories about parenting and food quirks, Josh's comedic flair makes this a memorable dining experience.

In this lively chat, Joe Locke, the rising star from 'Heartstopper' and 'Agatha: Coven of Chaos,' shares hilarious anecdotes about his career progression. The trio dives into quirky dining experiences tied to his Marvel character, the joys of food presentation, and playful banter about Disney fantasies. They reminisce about returning to their hometown with laughter-filled stories of their culinary ups and downs. Expect humor, insightful reflections, and some whimsical debates over unexpected culinary creations!