Jo Caulfield is a very funny woman who has been delighting Fringe audiences for years with her gag-filled shows full of righteous indignation.
Now a proud resident of Leith, she tells Entertainment Now about her Fringe. And she tells us why she hopes it rains on Oasis fans in Murrayfield.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
My show is a glorious celebration of anger. I’ll be tackling everyone and everything that has pissed me off in the last twelve months – from vacuous reality TV stars and deliberately difficult hotel staff, to brazen shoplifters and dealing with unsolicited dick pics.
So, you should go to see my show because watching live stand-up comedy boosts your immune system. It’s true: real laughter lowers stress hormones, boosts endorphins, and can even reduce pain. Basically, going to my comedy show is cheaper than therapy—and you can have a drink.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
My shows are structured but I always leave gaps for audience interaction, which guarantees no two shows are ever the same. I like that unpredictability. Something strange or unexpected always happens. Last night’s show was a treat; with a stranded NHS nurse unable to get back to Doncaster, but other audience members came to her rescue and offered her a bed for the night.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
I don’t have any Fringe idols, but I do admire the comedians who come back every year and work hard on creating new shows. Ian Stone, Gavin Webster, Jay Lafferty. Three fantastic comedians who keep striving to put on great shows. Ian is out on the street every day handing out leaflets and hustling an audience. I really respect that work ethic.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Caustic. Sarcastic. Lazy.
Why? Because I’m too lazy to think of an answer so I took the first two words from a recent review: “Packed with gags & stories in her accustomed style, slightly caustic about some, bitingly sarcastic of others, but laugh out loud funny throughout…”
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
Susan Riddell. One of Scotland’s best comedians.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
I’m really hoping to win the Best Newcomer award. I can’t believe I’ve been over-looked 19 years in a row. Failing that I’d settle for second place in The Wilkies’ pub quiz (£400 jackpot, 2nd place £25 alcohol voucher)
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
Usually it’s crippling self-doubt and a fear that Thalia (the Greek goddess of comedy) will desert me but this year it’s the Beatles tribute-act, Oasis. They’re going to take a lot of audience away from the Fringe with their three outdoor Murrayfield stadium shows. Fingers crossed it rains.
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
Unfortunately for my audience, the Stand Comedy Club is modelled upon The Eagles song ‘Hotel California’ in that “You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave.” So the audience won’t be taking anything away, because the audience are condemned to spend eternity within the Stand’s four walls.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
Most mornings I go running down at Portobello Beach. The breeze and the sea air always clear my head. There’s so much to think about, so much business to take care of, during the Fringe that Porty is always a welcome distraction.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
Get up late. Long boozy brunch at Roseleaf Bar Cafe. Then meet comedian friends for another couple of drinks. Head over to Little Capo Italian restaurant on Howe St, then Harvey Nichols brasserie for cocktails. Go to a show. Good news – the show is cancelled. Run to the Thistle Street bar, stagger round to Milnes Bar on Rose Street, followed by a nightcap at the Bowlers Rest in Leith. The perfect Fringe day out!
Jo Caulfield: Bad Mood Rising, 19.30, Stand 3, until August 24
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jo-caulfield-bad-mood-rising
