As the MAPS Festival prepares to make its debut, Sam Wonfor was hungry to find out more about one of the very tasty items on the programme.
When it comes to me, the word ‘hoovering’ is usually one which provokes a lightning quick exit. My strengths very much lie in strategy where housework is involved.
But when it comes to podcasts, the mention of Hoovering provokes a very different response.
For the uninitiated, the Hoovering podcast is a corker. Launched in 2018, it is a food filled feast of a chat between its founder, comedian, actress and writer, Jessica Fostekew and her chosen guest.
Episodes so far have included flavourseome conversations with the likes of Jack Monroe, Ed Gamble, Felicity Ward, James Acaster, Grace Petrie and the original Guilty Feminist, Deborah Frances White.
And after this weekend, Jessica will be able to add Emmerdale actress Charlie Hardwick, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer/songwriter Nadine Shah, Edinburgh Award nominee comic Seymour Mace and superstar North East creator of the Cook House, Anna Hedworth to this list, because they’re all coming together for a special live recording of the podcast – on stage at Gosforth Civic Theatre.
Jessica, who you may have seen in BBC sitcoms Motherland and Cuckoo; heard on the Guilty Feminist podcast where she is a regular co-host; and enjoyed via her writing for any number of comedy panel show gems, says: “I’m so bang up for this event.
“The guests I’ve got joining me are so funny and brilliant but moreover it just feels right to bring Hoovering to Newcastle.
“Not only is it home to The Stand, one of my favourite comedy clubs, but I’ve also had some of the most interesting, exciting and frankly delicious food I’ve tried in the last year in this fair city too.
“I understand that’s on the up and up, as well the food scene so there’s no better place to come and have a laugh while we celebrate the absolute joy of eating.”
The event, which kicks off at 7pm on Saturday, is part of the three-day MAPS Festival – which is aimed at children, young people and the grown ups lucky enough to be accompanying them.
Hoovering Live at MAPS – which comes with a ‘this show will make you peckish’ warning – will see Jess and her guests sharing their funniest and most captivating stories, thoughts and feelings when it comes to stuff they have eaten, stuff they wish they hadn’t and stuff they hope to scoff on day soon.
And while they’re doing this, they’ll be trying some of the North East’s most highly recommended grub.
Ooh, and if you’re planning to be in the audience (why wouldn’t you be?) you are very much invited to bring some food to eat in too – and there are no rules.
So whether you’ve knocked up some hemp-laced-homemade-kimchi-wafers or just want to pick up a nine-piece bucket of the Colonel’s finest on your way to Gosforth, you’ll be made more than welcome.
Tickets for Hoovering Live at MAPS Festival can be booked via the MAPS Festival website.