Ed Gamble

Podcast Picks: Off Menu

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Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.

Off Menu is a food-based interview podcast hosted by James Acaster and Ed Gamble. The two comics invite their guests to describe each of their favourite courses in a dream restaurant, which works as a vehicle for getting to know their guests on a deeper level.

Self-declared foodies, Acaster and Gamble are on a mission to learn more about the eating and drinking habits of their friends. Each guest is asked to explain (and sometimes defend) their choice of starter, main, side and dessert, which opens up the conversation for a more general discussion about food, as well as giving an insight into each interviewee’s past life experiences.

© Off Menu

Beginning in December of last year, Off Menu is now well into its second series. Their diverse set of guests have included comedian Aisling Bea, TV chef Tom Kerridge, actress Sian Clifford and the magician Dynamo.

It’s surprisingly eye-opening stuff, with the majority of the show’s guests being incredibly candid when sharing experiences from their childhood and adolescence. And it’s funny too – Acaster acts as the dream restaurant’s waiter (who is also a genie), which gives the whole show an air of surrealism. Not to mention the infamous ‘poppadoms or bread?’ question, which listeners attempt to prepare themselves for each week, but always seem to be caught out.

Off Menu is perfect for comedy fans and hungry people. What’s not to like?

CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF ‘OFF MENU’ HERE.

Ed Gamble: The Edinburgh Interviews 2018

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© Avalon Entertainment

Who? Ed Gamble
What? Blizzard
Where? Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Above (venue 33)
When? 19:40

Are you prepared for what this year’s Edinburgh Fringe has in store for you?

This sounds ominous. Do you know something that’s in store for me that I don’t? I thought I was prepared for just doing my show, but you’ve made it sound like they’re going to do The Purge or something. I’m prepared for my show, but not for The Purge.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s about me finally embracing being a nice guy onstage and then coming to terms with the fact I’m anything but. That’s what I think it’s about anyway, but everyone else seems to think it’s about cats and dogs. 

What was the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

This is my 5th hour in a row, so there’s always a worry that the well has run dry. Luckily though, if you keep digging you often end up finding the freshest water. More poetic insights like that will be available in my show.

Who would most enjoy your show?

Anyone with a goddamn pulse.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations? 

Tonnes. Really looking forward to seeing Jordan Brookes, Catherine Bohart, Lazy Susan, Sarah Keyworth, Rosie Jones, Jack Barry, Lolly Adefope, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Rose Matafeo, Felicity Ward, Matt Forde, Ivo Graham, Nish Kumar… the list is long and I will try and see all of them. I’ve already seen previews from Adam Hess, Sean McLoughlin, Lou Sanders and Steve Bugeja and they are all on brilliant form.

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh as a city?

The architecture, the smell, the food, the cobbles. Everything really. Apart from all the English people during August. (Please buy tickets.)

What are your plans for after the festival?

Have a massive sleep, naturally. Then I’ve got some Mock the Weeks, then a holiday, then I’m touring Blizzard next year.  Mainly sleep though.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ED GAMBLE: ‘BLIZZARD’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2018

Seven Questions With… Ed Gamble

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Ed Gamble

Ed Gamble (half of stand up and podcasting double act Peacock & Gamble) is a comedian that is fast becoming a regular face on television, with appearances on Russell Howard’s Good News, Virtually Famous and Sweat the Small Stuff. He is a regular presenter on Fubar Radio as well as co-writing the critically acclaimed Peacock and Gamble Podcast. Ed will be performing his second solo show Lawman at Canon’s Gait (1.15pm) at this year’s Edinburgh festival.
To find out a little more, I asked Ed these seven questions…

1) Hands for feet or feet for hands?

Hands for feet, definitely. I’m not a zoologist but I’m pretty sure that’s what chimps have and they have a brilliant life what with all the hanging out up trees and laughing. Also, feet for hands would make eating rather unwieldy and there’s nothing more demeaning than trying to hammer a load of mash into your mouth using a size 11. Especially up a tree. I’ve confused myself now.

2) Did you have any awful jobs before your career in comedy?

Not really- I’ve been quite lucky. I did have a job for a bit where I would have to get up at 4.45 am and go to an office to listen to a lot of local radio and note down every time a company was mentioned. To this day I don’t know why. I never asked either. I make a perfect unquestioning drone worker.  

3) Describe your perfect day?

A lovely walk followed by a smashing breakfast and a very strong coffee. Fill time until lunch where I have a gigantic burger except it doesn’t make me feel ill or full. Then ice cream. Then I find £20 in my pocket and go and see a film which I am unexpectedly the star of. Fill time until dinner. Eat a giant steak for dinner. Then ice cream. Do a gig to people who all think I’m brilliant apart from one guy who everyone turns on. Eventually even he admits I am great. Then ice cream. Hit the hay at around 11pm. Get up at 11.30pm for ice cream. Back to bed for a strong 10 hours.

4) Who inspired you to become a comedian?

I went to see Steve Coogan live when I was 13 and left completely in awe. I probably thought about it ever since then. But honestly I don’t think I ever made the actual decision “I am going to be a comedian.” I just started doing it as a hobby and now I get paid for it. The lack of a true career plan will inevitably be my downfall but that’s the way I like it.

5) What is your favourite condiment?

I am a mustard guy but please don’t try and pin me down on which variety, as it differs day to day. Also I ain’t eating eggs without hot sauce (Franks Xtra Hot or Tabasco Chipotle if you must know).

6) Have you made plans for your funeral?

I don’t plan on dying until 2085 when I shall be cremated and have my ashes poured into the circuits of the robot assassin who took my life.

7) How important is satire to you?

Satire is hugely important, but not to me. Political comedy and satire is a necessary and integral part of the art form and as such I refuse to spoil it by trying to have a go at it.

ED GAMBLE WILL PERFORM HIS STAND UP SHOW, GAMBLETRON 5000, AT THE SOHO THEATRE FROM 7TH-9TH MAY

SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH…