Podcast Summary: Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster – Episode 266: Ella Purnell
Host Information:
- Hosts: Ed Gamble and James Acaster
- Special Guest: Ella Purnell
- Podcast Description: Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite special guests into their magical restaurant to curate their dream meals, selecting favorites across various courses.
Introduction to Ella Purnell
Timestamp: [02:42]
The episode kicks off with Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcoming actress Ella Purnell to their "Dream Restaurant." Ella is celebrated for her roles in popular TV shows such as "Fallout", "Yellowjackets", and her upcoming series "Sweet Pea", which airs on Sky. Ed enthusiastically praises her performances, highlighting her versatility and knack for mastering accents in roles like those in "Yellowjackets".
Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "You think that's gonna help their brands. That cures all ailments. That's the focus."
The Dream Menu Experience
Timestamp: [05:04 – 06:00]
Ed introduces the concept of the Dream Restaurant, where guests design their ideal meals. He playfully warns Ella about a "secret ingredient" — Nuka Cola from the "Fallout" series — which, if mentioned, would result in her being kicked out of the restaurant. Ella humorously speculates on the taste of Nuka Cola, associating it with cola and a hint of radiation, blending fictional elements with real-world humor.
Notable Quote:
- Ed Gamble: "But, if Ella says Nuka Cola, we'll have to kick her out the Dream Restaurant. Hopefully she won't and we'll get to hear a full menu."
Ella’s Dream Meal Selection
Timestamp: [06:07 – 53:24]
Ella begins crafting her dream meal, navigating through the playful banter and humorous interludes with the hosts. The selection process unfolds as follows:
-
Starter: Soup Dumplings
- Choice: Ella opts for soup dumplings from Joe Shanghai in New York. She emphasizes the interactive experience of eating them correctly, instructing on the technique to savor both the soup and dumpling seamlessly.
- Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "You have to bite the tip off and then drink the soup out the dumpling, out the spoon."
-
Main Course: Spy Kids Burger
- Choice: Drawing inspiration from her favorite childhood movie, Ella selects a "Spy Kids" burger. However, her vivid description leads to a humorous revelation that the burger is essentially a Big Mac, causing a playful disappointment.
- Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "It's always the quiet ones. But it could have just been. She kills people and she likes it. And I would watch that."
-
Side Dish: Cheap Supermarket Prawn Crackers
- Choice: Preferring comfort and nostalgia over conventional salads, Ella chooses cheap prawn crackers from supermarkets like Tesco or Lidl. She elaborates on her preference for their greasy texture despite not being a fan of fish.
- Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "I want them to be like 60p out of a packet from Tesco's or Lidl. And they're greasy and that's why it's good."
-
Dessert: Adventure Island Donuts
- Choice: Recalling her childhood experiences, Ella selects donuts from Adventure Island in Southend on Sea. She shares a comedic yet embarrassing story about a disastrous date that led to her dealing with norovirus after indulging in these sugary treats.
- Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "I went to Halloween party and we walked in, I look incredibly fit, and I shit my pants in the middle of this Halloween party. And right after I shit my pants, I turn to him to say, I've shit my pants, but I projectile vomit all down."
-
Drink: Diet Coke
- Choice: Ella opts for Diet Coke as her favorite drink, humorously advocating its benefits as a cure-all for ailments like hangovers and nausea.
- Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "It's the cure for all ailments. I can't even say it."
Interactive Segment: Throughout the meal selection, Ella engages in playful games with the hosts, including a round of "Guess Who," revealing humorous personal anecdotes and fostering a light-hearted atmosphere.
Humorous Anecdotes and Games
Timestamp: [09:02 – 77:13]
Ella shares a series of entertaining stories, including:
-
Embarrassing Date Disasters: Ella recounts a cringe-worthy date where she ended up vomiting after mistakenly believing she appeared composed, only for both parties to succumb to norovirus.
Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "I had to say. I had to do it. I'm so sorry. I just. I had to end like that."
-
Childhood Memories: Reflecting on her childhood trips to Southend on Sea, Ella describes having fun yet awkward birthday parties, highlighting her competitive nature and love for interactive experiences.
-
Diet Coke Advocacy: Ella humorously attempts to secure a lifelong Diet Coke sponsorship, intertwining her personal stories with brand promotion.
-
Polystyrene Collections: In a whimsical tangent, Ed Gamble shares his past obsession with collecting giant polystyrene "W"s for his band, leading to a nostalgic and humorous backstory.
Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "Everything's a game if you're competitive enough."
Conclusion and Menu Recap
Timestamp: [75:38 – 81:30]
As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap Ella’s dream meal:
- Starter: Soup dumplings from Joe Shanghai, New York.
- Main Course: Spy Kids memory burger.
- Side Dish: Conceptual salad and supermarket prawn crackers.
- Drink: Diet Coke.
- Dessert: Donuts from Adventure Island, Southend on Sea.
Ella expresses satisfaction with her selections despite the humorous setbacks during their conversation. The hosts encourage listeners to watch Ella's upcoming show "Sweet Pea" on Sky, tying back to the promotional aspects of the podcast.
Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "That sounds like a lovely menu."
Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [81:30 – End]
The episode concludes with the hosts promoting their upcoming tours and shows, inviting listeners to join their performances across various locations. Ella bids farewell, having enjoyed the engaging and humorous interaction, leaving listeners entertained and intrigued by her candid storytelling.
Notable Quote:
- Ella Purnell: "This has been really fun."
Key Takeaways:
- Interactive Dining Experience: The podcast uniquely blends culinary fantasies with personal storytelling, offering listeners a blend of humor and relatability.
- Ella Purnell’s Charisma: Ella’s candidness and ability to weave humorous anecdotes make her a delightful guest, enhancing the podcast’s engaging atmosphere.
- Humorous Brand Integrations: Seamlessly integrating humorous ads and promotions maintains the podcast’s entertaining flow without disrupting the listener's experience.
Final Thought: Episode 266 of "Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster" presents a perfect blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and interactive fun, making it a must-listen for fans of the hosts and Ella Purnell alike.