Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster - Episode 279: Stephen Graham

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 279 of Off Menu, hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster welcome acclaimed actor Stephen Graham to their whimsical Dream Restaurant. The episode seamlessly blends humor with heartfelt conversations, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Stephen's culinary preferences, personal anecdotes, and professional endeavors.

Welcome and Playful Banter

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their trademark playful banter. Ed Gamble humorously references past episodes where James joked about "beating up" Stephen Graham, setting a lighthearted tone for the conversation.

James Acaster (03:33):
"I've called him out many times on this podcast saying that I beat him up for that. And now he's walked straight into the lion's den."

Stephen Graham (07:27):
"Thank you. It's lovely to be here."

The hosts quickly establish a friendly rapport with Stephen, ensuring the atmosphere remains both entertaining and comfortable.

Stephen Graham’s Latest Projects

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Stephen's recent and upcoming projects, notably:

• A Thousand Blows: Premiering on Disney on February 21, this project showcases Stephen in a bare-knuckle boxer role, demanding rigorous training and dedication.

• Adolescence: A four-part Netflix series where Stephen co-wrote and stars, addressing heavy societal issues without passing judgment.

Stephen Graham (09:21):
"These one-shot episodes are designed to capture genuine moments, much like my previous work in 'Boiling Point'."

James Acaster (13:59):
"How do you balance personal feelings when portraying such intense subjects?"

Stephen Graham (17:10):
"I strive to remove my personal judgments to authentically reflect societal issues, allowing conversations to emerge organically."

Stephen emphasizes the importance of authenticity and empathy in his storytelling, aiming to foster meaningful dialogues among viewers.

Training for "A Thousand Blows"

Stephen provides an in-depth look into his preparation for the bare-knuckle boxing role, highlighting the physical and mental rigors involved.

Ed Gamble (13:04):
"Did you feel like by the end of the training that you could enter into a bare-knuckle boxing match?"

Stephen Graham (13:10):
"The dedication required is immense. It took six months of rigorous training, strict diet, and constant conditioning to achieve the necessary physique."

Stephen acknowledges the discipline required to embody his character, praising his trainer and the comprehensive regimen that shaped his performance.

Personal Food Memories and the Dream Menu

Aligning with the podcast's theme, Stephen shares cherished food memories, intertwining them with his dream meal selections.

Starter: Wonton Soup
Stephen reminisces about a perfect bowl of wonton soup in Chinatown, New York, describing it as the "Holy Grail" of wanton soups.

Stephen Graham (32:05):
"The dumplings were perfectly floating with bok choy and spring onions, creating a harmonious and delectable experience."

Main Course: Lobster with Auntie Vera's Chips
He recounts purchasing lobsters from Chelsea Harbor and pairing them with his late Auntie Vera's renowned chips, emphasizing their unmatched taste and texture.

Side Dish: Long Stem Broccoli with Chili and Parmesan
A healthy complement to the rich lobster, Stephen values the simplicity and flavor balance this dish offers.

Desserts: Milfui from The Wolseley and Nana's Apple Crumble
Drawing from childhood memories, Stephen highlights the authentic, homemade quality of his Nana's apple crumble, contrasting it with commercial alternatives.

Humorous Interludes and Host Interactions

Throughout the episode, Ed and James infuse humor, referencing past podcast moments and engaging in witty exchanges.

James Acaster (21:40):
"You learn all your facts from Guy Ritchie films."

Ed Gamble (26:04):
"Stephen Graham is, I would say, a national treasure."

A notable moment occurs when the hosts playfully hint at previous tensions, only to resolve them with laughter and mutual respect.

James Acaster (48:22):
"I don't want another Romesh nick on our hands."

Stephen Graham (73:15):
"But I do find you funny."

These interactions highlight the camaraderie between the hosts and their guest, ensuring the conversation remains engaging and personable.

Reflections on Comedy and Storytelling

Stephen delves into the nuances of acting and writing, particularly in realistic and emotionally charged roles.

James Acaster (54:16):
"I love the film so much. It could have gone so many ways."

Stephen Graham (54:09):
"It's about finding the same objective together to get there creatively."

He emphasizes the balance between structured storytelling and improvisation, drawing parallels to beloved procedural dramas.

Closing Thoughts and Menu Finalization

As the episode nears its end, the trio finalizes Stephen's dream menu, intertwining personal significance with culinary delight.

Stephen Graham (72:26):
"That sounds really nice."

Ed Gamble (72:40):
"The two desserts sum up your menu nicely, blending fanciness with nostalgic comfort."

The menu crafted reflects Stephen's journey, encapsulating moments from his childhood to his professional achievements.

Conclusion

Episode 279 of Off Menu offers a captivating blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and culinary exploration. Stephen Graham emerges not only as a talented actor but also as a storyteller who deeply values authenticity and meaningful narratives. Through shared memories and delectable menu choices, the episode underscores the essence of the Dream Restaurant: a place where dreams and stories intertwine over a perfect meal.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Graham (13:10):
  "The dedication required is immense. It took six months of rigorous training, strict diet, and constant conditioning to achieve the necessary physique."

• James Acaster (54:16):
  "I love the film so much. It could have gone so many ways."

• Stephen Graham (54:09):
  "It's about finding the same objective together to get there creatively."

• James Acaster (73:15):
  "But I do find you funny."

• Ed Gamble (72:40):
  "The two desserts sum up your menu nicely, blending fanciness with nostalgic comfort."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections, focusing solely on the substantive conversation between Ed Gamble, James Acaster, and Stephen Graham.