Interview: Ed Gamble on cats, cooking, coughing fits & more

Have you found yourself wondering what self-professed 'cutie-pie' comedian Ed Gamble has been up to recently? Of course you have!

The award-winning London comic, co-host of mega-hit podcast Off Menu with James Acaster, new judge on Great British Menu, Taskmaster champ and host of Taskmaster the Podcast, to name but a few, has been incredibly busy, not least because he’s extended his brand-new stand-up tour with over 35 more dates, including his biggest show so far at the Eventim Apollo on Saturday 22nd October 2022.

Tickets for Electric are available here

Ahead of his Electric show at the iconic London venue, we caught up with the man himself to talk heavy metal, show day routines, outdoor cooking and much more.

On a scale of 1 to loads, how excited are you to play the Eventim Apollo?

A million? Is that an option? The Apollo means a huge amount to me as a venue. I grew up in West London and have brilliant memories of going to see shows there. I saw Bottom Live there when I was 14 and it was formative.

Do you have a backstage routine to settle the nerves before a big show?

I try to be as close to my actual personality as possible onstage so there is no routine to speak of. I’m basically watching MasterChef right up until I walk on.

Pre-gig meal?

I try to not eat too heavily before I go on as I’ll burp my way through the show. Nando’s has been ubiquitous on this tour because it’s delicious but feels like you’re making good choices. The less said about fajita-gate in Buxton the better.

Why Electric?

I always name my shows after the atmosphere and vibe I want the show to have. And if you don’t think the show is electric, we use electric lights so there’s a link for you.

How long did it take to write the show and is it still evolving?

I never have an answer for this. I guess I started fiddling with ideas in 2020 but it all came together late 2021. My shows always shift and evolve during the tour as none of it’s written down and new stuff occurs to me every night! It’s the same material and topics but if I did it exactly the same way every night I would go bananas on day 3.

Have you ever had a really great bit that never got the laughs you expected but you’re still convinced is a really great bit?

I think I’ve definitely thought that in the past, but now will begrudgingly admit that if it never gets laughs, it’s probably not a good bit. Often in those situations it’s a case of just being clearer with what you’re talking about for the sake of the audience. The jokes can be brilliant but if they’re not presented clearly it throws the whole routine.

Any diva rider requests? We know the people at the Apollo so can probably help you out here.

I genuinely only ask for water, but most of the time I get given towels?! Like I’m going to immediately arrive and cover myself in the water.

You’ve just been a judge on The Great British Menu. When/if the marketing team at Eventim come round to The Gambles for dinner what’s your signature dish? One of us is vegan by the way, just to test you.

I’m firing up my big ceramic BBQ and smoking a huge piece of beef featherblade for 10 hours. Then I’ll keep the BBQ raging and do some grilled miso aubergine and charred gem lettuce and get the pizza oven going as well. I don’t like cooking indoors.

The Guardian once described you as “Britain’s most unlikely Metalhead”. Why do you think people are so surprised that you like Heavy Metal?

Because I’m a cutie pie

Best comedy gig you’ve seen at the Apollo?

See above for the Bottom Live answer. I was such a massive fan and the reception they got was insane. I’ve also seen loads of friends perform there and it’s always a lovely and proud moment to see someone achieve that.

Best music gig you’ve seen at the Apollo?

The Darkness on the Permission to Land tour

Dogs or Cats?

Cats. Specifically my cat Pig. All other cats are useless.

Flake or Ripple?

You need a dust buster to eat either of them. Aero all day long.