Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster – Episode 297: Joanne McNally

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Guest: Joanne McNally

Introduction

In Episode 297 of Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, the dynamic comedic duo welcomes Joanne McNally, a celebrated stand-up comedian known for her appearance on Taskmaster. The episode delves into a whimsical exploration of dream meals, blending humor with heartfelt conversations.

Welcoming Joanne McNally

Ed Gamble kicks off the episode with his signature flair:

[03:04] Ed Gamble: "Welcome to the Off Menu podcast. Crushing up the meringues of conversation, adding the whipped cream of humor, and adding in the strawberries of friendship."

James Acaster adds to the warm reception:

[03:14] Joanne McNally: "Joanne McNally, an absolute smash hit of a stand-up comedian, James, a juggernaut."

The hosts highlight Joanne's upcoming tour and her successful show, Pedophile, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.

Exploring the Dream Restaurant

The core of the episode revolves around the Dream Restaurant, where guests select their ideal courses. Joanne joins Ed and James in crafting her ultimate meal.

Starters

James Acaster starts the menu crafting:

[03:13] James Acaster: "Welcome, Joanne, to the Dream Restaurant."

Joanne McNally shares her love for simple pleasures:

[12:00] James Acaster: "Okay, so keeping with the immature palate, I love warm reassuring food and I have to say this is just my dream meal."

She humorously lists her favorite starters, showing her playful approach to the menu.

Main Course

The conversation shifts to the main course, where James Acaster reveals his quirky preferences:

[43:13] James Acaster: "So my dream main course will be a club sandwich."

The trio hilariously debates the absence of bacon in the club sandwich, transforming it into a chicken salad sandwich layered with crispy chips—a nod to James's "immature palate."

Drinks Pairing

A lighthearted exchange about beverages follows:

[50:39] James Acaster: "I just want a giant glass of Pinot Grigio."

[66:34] Ed Gamble: "So far we've had two large glasses of Pinot."

They discuss the perfect pairing of drinks with each course, incorporating humor and personal anecdotes about favorite beverages like Negroni and espresso martinis.

Desserts

James Acaster takes dessert to a fantastical level:

[67:08] James Acaster: "My dream dessert is Tom Hardy topless on a penny farthing with a sidecar of desserts."

The conversation evolves into a comedic sketch envisioning Tom Hardy serving an array of desserts aboard a whimsical potato waffle boat, complete with dancing desserts and playful interactions.

Tour Experiences and Humorous Anecdotes

The episode intertwines discussions about their tours, alcohol anecdotes, and humorous mishaps:

[27:24] James Acaster: "I love Prosecco during Prosecco Express, but I've lost the taste for it now."

[82:33] James Acaster: "It's called blackout. Teenage blackouts."

These stories provide listeners with a glimpse into the lives of the comedians, blending relatable experiences with absurd humor.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Ed and James reflect on the Off Menu series, teasing future content and expressing gratitude towards Joanne:

[83:13] Joanne McNally: "What an episode, James. I feel hammered talking about booze that much."

[83:32] Ed Gamble: "Thank you so much to her for coming on."

They hint at the end of a particular series while warmly inviting listeners to stay tuned for more engaging episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Ed Gamble ([03:04]): "Crushing up the meringues of conversation, adding the whipped cream of humor, and adding in the strawberries of friendship."

• James Acaster ([36:30]): "I like it, it's mad."

• Joanne McNally ([53:05]): "It's called blackout. Teenage blackouts."

• James Acaster ([67:08]): "My dream dessert is Tom Hardy topless on a penny farthing with a sidecar of desserts."

Conclusion

Episode 297 of Off Menu masterfully combines humor, culinary fantasies, and personal stories, creating an entertaining and memorable listening experience. Joanne McNally's vibrant personality adds depth to the episode, making it a delightful entry in the Off Menu series. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the podcast, this episode offers laughter and light-hearted fun that embodies the spirit of the show.