At the close of the Edinburgh Fringe, comedian Jo Caulfield was announced as the winner of the 2025 Takeover Radio 106.9FM Joke of the Fringe Award, the most valuable joke of the fringe award this year, organised by the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
Jo Caulfield is sardonic, cutting and fantastically witty. Her punchlines are unexpected, catching you entirely off guard as she takes her jokes in directions you couldn’t have possibly have foreseen.
JO CAULFIELD is a very intelligent comedian, her punchlines are often unexpected, catching you entirely off guard as she takes her jokes in directions you couldn’t have possibly have foreseen.
Caulfield begins her show by getting to know her audience, creating a rapport which is beautifully maintained throughout her performance. She launches into her material with descriptions of life living in Edinburgh, or more specifically, Leith. These descriptions paint the backdrop for the awkward conversations she is to go on to describe. Her take on life in Leith is wonderfully hilarious, especially if you are local to the area and have made visits to the locations she discusses.
Caulfield has had a lot of awkward conversations this past year alone, she recalls each of them in turn, knitting them together so wonderfully that the material flows seamlessly throughout the show. Each of her conversations is deliciously dissected, and they are, for the most part, so relatable that you cannot help but cringe and laugh. Caulfield’s manner is relaxed and confident, but she is willing to show moments of vulnerability during some of her tales, which greatly enhances her performance.
Her stories about her friends recent divorce, and her own marriage are vividly described, accentuating the humour perfectly. One particular tale of her marital life is described in such detail that you could imagine yourself in the room as the excruciatingly cringeworthy exchange took place. The phone conversations she describes as having had with her mother are an especial delight, that many could relate to. Caulfield is a very intelligent comedian, her punchlines are often unexpected, catching you entirely off guard as she takes her jokes in directions you couldn’t have possibly have foreseen. She is a fantastic wordsmith.
Those who are easily offend may not enjoy Caulfield’s brand of comedy, as some of her jokes are quite provocative. For everyone else however, Jo is well worth seeing this Fringe.
Jo Caulfield’s Bad Mood Rising is an absolute masterclass in comedy. With scalpel-sharp wit, immaculate timing, and a gloriously grumpy worldview, Caulfield takes the audience on a laugh-packed tour through life’s daily irritations, social absurdities, and the general madness of modern existence — and every minute is pure gold.
From the moment she walks on stage, Jo commands the room with the confidence of a seasoned performer who knows exactly what she’s doing — and better still, knows exactly what the audience needs. The title Bad Mood Rising may suggest doom and gloom, but what follows is an hour of cathartic, belly-laugh-inducing brilliance.
Her observational material is razor-edged and unflinchingly honest. Whether she’s discussing her husband’s shouting at the telly, skewering the idiocy of ‘inspirational’ social media posts, or describing the maddening foibles of her girlfriends, Caulfield finds humour in the universally frustrating — and makes it feel entirely fresh.
There’s a wonderful balance between relatable grumbles and more cutting cultural satire. She pokes fun at members of the audience with the precision of a sniper — but crucially, without ever being mean-spirited. Caulfield is acerbic, yes, but never cruel. Her barbs are funny because they’re true, not because they’re nasty.
What elevates this show beyond a typical comedy set is her flawless control of rhythm and delivery. Caulfield’s timing is impeccable — she knows exactly when to let a punchline drop, when to pause for laughter, and when to accelerate into the next rant. The audience was frequently in fits of laughter, often applauding mid-set, swept up in the sheer force of her charisma and comedic clarity.
Despite the show’s title, there’s an unexpected warmth to Bad Mood Rising. It’s a celebration of being a bit older, a bit more cynical, and a bit less willing to tolerate bullshit. There’s a knowing wink to her grumpiness — a sense that we’re all in on the joke together. It’s not so much about being in a bad mood as it is about having high standards — and not being afraid to say so.
The hour flies by — testament to how tightly structured and well-written the material is. There’s no filler, no meandering anecdotes, just punchy, polished routines delivered with effortless confidence. This is stand-up comedy at its most intelligent, entertaining, and satisfying.
For long-time fans of Jo Caulfield, Bad Mood Rising is another triumph in an already stellar career. For newcomers, it’s a perfect introduction to one of the UK’s most consistently funny comics. In a Fringe programme crowded with shouty, try-hard acts, Caulfield’s precision, poise, and poison-dipped charm make her stand out as the real deal.
Catch this show if you want to leave feeling lighter, sharper — and totally vindicated in your own bad mood.
Jo Caulfield’s Bad Mood Rising is a stand-up masterclass in witty grumbling and acerbic observations on life and relationships.
Jo Caulfield is in high spirits for a show about a bad mood. Performing to a packed house at Stand 3, she holds the room expertly, with a confidence born of long experience and a devoted local following.
Caulfield’s razor-sharp, caustic style is a familiar and welcome tonic for her devotees, and she’s happy to put herself, her husband, and humanity in general under the microscope. The show is titled Bad Mood Rising, and it lives up to its promise, but in the best possible way.
The Vibe: Acerbic but Affectionate
Caulfield’s act is one of controlled grumpiness, but it’s never mean-spirited. She pokes fun at her long-suffering husband and the foibles of both genders with equal wit. Her cynicism and frustration are part of the comedic persona, a masterclass in “balancing humour and anger,” as the official synopsis notes. There’s a real joy in her righteous indignation, a sense that she is daring to say what we’re all thinking. I was more thankful than ever that I wasn’t quite in the front seat, and that’s a testament to her playful but pointed audience interaction. The Stand 3, with its pub-like atmosphere and bar in the corner, feels like the perfect home for her relatable, down-to-earth comedy. She’s a familiar face, a local treasure, and the audience feels like a cosy, slightly dysfunctional family gathered to hear a favourite aunt grumble.
Narrative: A Plot in Denial
The show’s press release mentions a masterclass in balancing humour and anger, and she delivers on that. She will deny there’s a narrative or a plot to her stand-up, preferring to focus on the jokes, but there is a clear thread of relationships that runs throughout. From her own marriage to modern dating, she weaves anecdotes and observations into a cohesive whole, demonstrating a talent for storytelling that she might be too humble to admit. It’s a slightly riskier, more vulnerable show than some of her previous work. The audience, full of couples and friends, feels this connection. She is not just a joke-teller but a keen observer of the human condition, with a wit that cuts through the noise and finds the funny side of life’s most irritating moments.
Overall
Jo Caulfield is a gem of the Fringe and a treasure for the city of Edinburgh. Her decision to make her home here after meeting her Aberdonian husband is one that locals should be eternally grateful for. She’s a true local voice, and it’s a joy to have her. The show is highly recommended, a satisfying hour of pure, witty stand-up. It might be an acquired taste for some, but it’s one that our reviewer is glad to have. The fact that she was seen after the show collecting for Macmillan, the proceeds from her book, The Funny Thing About Death, also going to charity, speaks volumes about the person behind the grumpy persona.
The most we've laughed out loud all Fringe.
The show last night was absolutely brilliant. My jaws were sore from laughing so much. Jo’s timing and interaction with the audience really worked well. I would thoroughly recommend this show to everyone. Not to be missed. Would go again next year without a doubt. Go book your ticket now to an hour of laughter. (Doreen P)
Have seen Jo many times, she is brilliant but this show is her best yet. Went with friends first time at the fringe and this was their highlight show over the weekend. Really funny observational jokes delivered with skill, suitable for all, go and see this show if you can! (Ian)
Having seen Jo a few times but not for a couple of years, sort of knew what to expect. However, Saturday night’s show was so good, kicked off funny, and then proceeded to get funnier over the next hour. Best show I’ve seen this year, and bear in mind I also went to The Fringe in Adelaide, in March. (Miller G)
An excellent show. We’ve seen Jo Caulfield live before, and this performance was fantastic. We really enjoyed it. Lots of acid observations which will keep us chuckling for ages. Recommended! (Phil)
Excellent show. Funny for a full 60 minutes. So relatable – especially when it comes to describing husbands! Highly recommend this show. (Dawn)
Laughed out loud today with my head underwater whilst swimming thinking about Jo Caulfield’s joke about Amanda Holden. What a great show again. (Mark S)
It’s really annoying when someone that looks this good can be so feckin hysterical. Jo Caulfield has created a fantastic, clever and hugely entertaining show. It’s a must see. Hugely recommend. (Laurenne P)
A fantastic night. My wife and I have seen Jo many times and she always delivers. Her caustic humour is often directed at men in general and her husband in particular. The many women in the audience really enjoy this but, as I man, I equally find it funny. I laughed all the way through at every gag and really recommend Jo. (James G)
The most we’ve laughed out loud all Fringe. Such a fantastic show of stories with punchlines that keep coming for the full hour. Jo is just supreme and carried us along on o wave of joyous angst, and disbelief at the stupidity and failings of the world in general and the people around her. (Andy C)
Despite attending the Fringe for many years I’ve never seen Jo Caulfield in her own show. This was my big mistake. Jo was hilarious and can honestly say l’ve not laughed so much in ages. Can’t wait till next years show. (John L)
Great observational humour – easily one of the best comedians at the fringe (and everywhere else too) – thankfully doesn’t think swearing is essential to be funny!! Interacts with audience without undue cruelty – a good laugh out loud hour of your life. (Chris N)
Excellent! A consummate professional who has complete control and takes her audience with her. This was the first time I’ve seen her live; a decision I did not regret. (Stuart S)
I have been to many of Jo’s shows at The Stand over the years, but this time I went with my daughter. Jo now has a new fan. (Andy W)
One of the best shows on the Fringe undoubtedly.
Jo is no newcomer of course and her professionalism oozes out of her. She simply owns the stage and the audience from the first second. It’s always good to see a comic who effortlessly puts on a show and is funny from the opening moment right to the end.
She’s an angry woman on stage. The title of this year’s show is “Bad Mood Rising” and she has a pop at everything she takes issue with. Her off-the-cuff throwaway lines are brilliant too as were her stories – many of which are aimed at her husband Stuart. I’m sure she loves him really though!
She hardly had time to draw breath as she hurtled through her one hour set, but I would have gladly sat through much longer. The way she links her stories seamlessly is an art form that any new comedian would learn so much from. There were plenty of her fans in the audience eho came back to see her, but, like me, there were plenty who hadn’t seen her live before, and she won them over easily.
One of the best shows on the Fringe undoubtedly.
Jo Caulfield's Bad Mood Rising is one of the best comics at the Fringe. A must-watch.
Jo Caulfield is scathing of shows with themes, and people in new relationships, and men’s fashion and just about everything else.
The title of her show, Bad Mood Rising, is apt. She wears a bright red ring, rumoured to change with her mood, but she’s never known another colour. She’s also fantastically funny.
Her irritable crowd work has the audience cackling, and her loved ones – hapless casualties of her acerbic wit – presumably stagger between pride and mild PTSD.
One of the best comics at the Fringe. A must-watch.
Mervyn Stutter’s Picks For 2025
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ★ ★ ★ ★
Our team watches hundreds of shows every year to hand pick the very best of the Fringe, and we see far more than we can invite to appear on the show!
These shows are stand out from the crowd as a Pick of the Fringe, well worth seeing in their own genre.
Can always be guaranteed to deliver an hour of quality material.
Another of the Fringe artists who has a loyal following at the Fringe is Edinburgh based Jo Caulfield. She has been a Fringe institution for more years than most and can always be guaranteed to deliver an hour of quality material, often slightly ascorbic but never short of laughs as well.
Ms Caulfield is an excellent Host of comedy nights too, so is well versed in crowd work, and a fine demonstration of this was delivered prior to the meat of the performance.
No theme as usual, Jo expounds on her previous 12 months, with many an anecdote, a lot concerning her long suffering husband Stuart, her friends, shopping in Morrisons, travelling, both for holidays and work, all give her scope to expound upon, each drawing peals of laughter from her loyal crowd, and numerous visitors from further afield.
Although at times Jo seems dissatisfied with a lot of things, friends , their new relationship, PDA’s on Facebook, husband getting by abroad using the ‘language of football’. Following a friends present to her she has started to note in a Gratitude diary things that make her happy and is amazed that there is more to write than she thought.
For an evening of entertainment with a highly polished performer who always delivers this could well be the show for you.
I ARROGANTLY RECOMMEND…
These days I don’t know who all the new talent is anyway. So far be it from me to recommend anything at the fringe with any sense of real certainty. But here are shows by people I think will be great.
JO CAULFIELD – BAD MOOD RISING. Edinburgh Stand, Aug 1st – 24th, 7.30 pm. Reliably caustic road-tested grande-dame of stand-up comedy.
Jo Caulfield is a phenomenally reliable comic, who deservedly draws big crowds, always gaining a flush of positive reviews
Let’s throw some respect in Jo Caulfield’s direction, who quietly and deservedly draws big crowds, always gaining a flush of positive reviews.
“There’s plenty of people I want to slag off” – she says at the start, by way of excusing herself rushing straight into the bulk of the show. That summarises the tone well – Caulfield pairs a deliciously venomous tongue with withering bafflement at various aspects of the modern world. She asks the audience to guess which breed of dog she was visually compared to recently, and they immediately guess correctly. Cue a tsunami of laughter.
A particularly harsh critic may suggest that the weakest material here is a bit standard-issue Radio 4, if nowhere near the worse end of that station’s output. Let’s be clear, Radio 4 would be extremely lucky to have as much Caulfield as they can get. And besides, that still leaves 95% of the jokes in this show to land exactly where you’d want them to. Her section deconstructing the plot of a porn film probably isn’t going to win awards for comic originality, though the ending pays off handsomely. She’s able to surprise even the most hardcore of comedy aficionados with a punchline they weren’t expecting. There’s a lovely, playful section recounting how she managed to wangle an invite to boy’s night down the pub. Jo Caulfield is a phenomenally reliable comic.
This is a tightly crafted, waspishly delivered set of disparate routines that casts a withering, misanthropic eye over humanity and prizes the gag above everything else.
You know just what you’re going to get with a Jo Caulfield show. And if you don’t, she offers pointers right off the top, advising that you’ll search in vain for a theme or narrative arc. This is a tightly crafted, waspishly delivered set of disparate routines that casts a withering, misanthropic eye over humanity and prizes the gag above everything else. The Leith resident’s gripes and seemingly insatiable desire for acrimony seldom play out as authentic transcripts of genuine encounters. However, in her despair with her Aberdonian husband especially, it feels as if there’s a germ of emotional or cultural truth, with archetypal idiots to be scorned as a public service.
Eviscerating the boring and pretentious, the blinkered and condescending, Caulfield is reactionary against the faddish but retains her curiosity, even if her study of German porn is preoccupied with the home furnishings and appliances rather than the sex. Of all the characters in her tales, her husband alone approaches being three-dimensional, a source of tremendous frustration and contempt, yet simultaneously grudging affection, with the couple very much a team when greeted by a sniffy hotel receptionist. Occasionally, Caulfield will have a snipe at a recognisable individual and it’s all the more delicious, a caustic aside about JK Rowling or Paddy McGuinness, with her put down of Sue Perkins for venturing back into the comic’s lane harsh but seemingly heartfelt. Finding joy in irritability, Caulfield’s an abrasively class act.
For more than a decade now each Fringe I make a point of going to see Jo Caulfield’s latest show. Why so regularly one might ask? The answer is simple, it guarantees a high quality hour, of laughter packed material delivered by a consummate performer, something that cannot always be said of others. Jo has a calmness about her as a performer, she has been at the top for so long it is just second nature I suppose.
There is no message in the show really she talks about her previous year commenting on things that have happened to her, people met and places visited, and a large part about her husband and his foibles.
She let’s the packed crowd hear about neighbourhood ‘older’ parties and the guests, joining her husband in a night out with his pals, reality TV especially property-based ones, TV dating shows, silent rows on train journey and short city breaks in Berlin and Paris, a veritable smorgasbord of topics and each provide material for her to get stuck into.
Jo has a regular core of returnees so I am obviously not alone in my opinion that this is a show well worth seeing
****1/2
Jo starts her show, as she tends to do, by reminding her audience that they’ve arrived at a stand up comedy set, not a piece of theatre. There’s no grand narrative arc and we shouldn’t look for messages, “…just me just talking about myself and stuff that’s happened. If you want to talk about something, you hire a room at the Fridge.” The comedian’s focus in very much on making people laugh, as it should be.
We are presented with the comedian’s funniest routines from her successful 2024 tour, featuring caustic observations, stories and one-liners. Much fun is had at the expense of her Aberdonian husband, Stuart.
Jo was born in north Wales to Irish parents – living most of her life in England and Scotland. Cultural differences between the nations are briefly discussed, there’s probably a whole show here, but the comedian has a lot to say, and we very quickly move on.
This is a gag heavy hour and all the better for it. My favourite story has the comedian in a German hotel room watching free pornography with her husband. I’m not going to spoil any of it here, but the setup is hilarious, the story is hysterical and practically every new sentence has a laugh.
Jo Caulfield is a tremendous writer. She crafts and nurtures jokes. Not a word is wasted. And her delivery is as good as her writing.
Yes, if you’ve seen the comedian on tour this year, you will have heard some of this stuff before. But that’s as advertised. And great gags can endure a second hearing.
Jo Caulfield warns her audience at the beginning not to expect to come away from her show having learned something earth shattering, or moved by a deeper meaning about the universe. Jo is an observational comedian, in fact one of the best. She’s got a lot of experience to draw from and she’s itching to share it.
Pearls Before Swine is a delicious title for a somewhat world weary comedian who’s always been fairly snarky but now takes no prisoners. There’s just enough self doubt there to keep us on side. She’s been living in Scotland with her Scottish husband for many years but still wonders sometimes if the Scots are complimenting her or being sarky at her. She feels uncomfortable at posh parties but also explains why parties aren’t really fun for anyone out of their 20s.
The most fascinating part of the show was a sort of scientific study she undertook by going out with her husband on his all-male “Blokes Pub Night”, curious as to how they interact with each other. I’m sure her presence somewhat mollified their usual behaviour and thus made the outcome less accurate, but it was interesting none the less and of course Jo had us in fits about their inability to connect intimately. Their sharing of knowledge about their little obsessions and hobbies rather than their lives.
Her material about incontinence pads is hilarious but my favourite bits are when she comments on recent news events and hangs shit on other celebrities, garnering gasps and applause. If you want an hour of fabulous laughs from a mature entertainer who accepts no nonsense but will not let you down, Jo is your comedian, she’s fantastic at comedy.
Our Managing Editor looks at some practically nailed-on winners for this August…
Jo Caulfield – ‘Pearls Before Swine‘ (The Stand 3, 2 – 25 Aug, except 12&19, 19:10). Jo’s shows never disappoint. Razor-sharp stand-up that always revolves around the things that have pissed her off in the previous year. Fortunately, there’s always a multitude of things to draw her ire. ‘Pearls Before Swine’ is her 2024 tour of the UK distilled down to the funniest stories and jokes. Her approach to comedy follows the maxim, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ to the letter. You know what you’re getting with a Jo Caulfield show, and that is partly what draws the crowds year after year.
The show: Pearls Before Swine
What is it?: Cool and funny don’t go together. Or they shouldn’t. There are very few exceptions (Lenny Bruce? Dave Allen?) but Caulfield is one of them. There’s just an aura of zero fucks about her that comes from being able to kill with any crowd at any venue. But it’s high status with heart, as evidenced by her wonderful and poignant memoir.
Jo Caulfield is back in the iconic comedy venue The Stand.
Jo’s style of comedy – listing things that annoy her, poking fun at her husband, having a bit of a witty grumble – makes me laugh. Frequently. I think it’s because her grumbling is charismatic and (largely) pretend mean. Also, she’s often right.
“Pearls Before Swine” is pure play comedy. There’s no meta arc, no cameo, and, save for £30 worth of lighting changes, no special effects.
Jo sets out the stall from the outset. She’s rented the room, so she’s going to chat about what she wants, too. The good news is that she has an instinct for what’s bubbling away in most people’s minds.
There’s clearly a bit of a cult of Jo. I’ve not been to a Jo show where it was not packed with fans. I’m sure she’s an active local helps, but I suspect it’s all about her empathy. She may say there are no stories in “Pearls Before Swine”, but there is storytelling from a comedian expert in the art.
It’s an adult show but not raunchy. We’ve sex jokes, even audience interaction with the sex jokes, but this isn’t one of the Fringe shows that’ll create a scandal or go head to head with burlesque.
Jo introduced the night by saying she was going to crack on as about two hours or two shows’ worth of material was being condensed into one. It certainly felt good value for money. I suspect Jo could riff with the crowd for ages but didn’t need to and doesn’t—she gets on with it.
So, what to expect? Expect an hour of witty banter for a woman who lovingly tolerates her husband, her friends and life in general. Expect to laugh.
As I expected, I was surprised at how much I liked and laughed during Jo Caulfield’s “Pearls Before Swine”.
If you’ll tolerate another apparent oxymoron then I’ll say Jo as an expressive deadpan delivery. Each moan is well loved, well worn and carefully fitted.
“Pearls Before Swine” is a sure-in for classic stand-up fans.
"Great show. Intelligent, witty and very funny. We have seen Jo several times over the years and she never fails to impress."
“Absolutely brilliant! By far the funniest show we have seen this year. Never fails to make me laugh.” — John B
“I really enjoyed Jo’s show…..very sharp indeed and clever bringing in the audience. Will definitely seek her gigs out again, and will read her new book, which resonates with me.” — Wendy R
“Jo Caulfield is absolutely hilarious. I’ve seen her twice and she just get’s you in to a state of agreement, then BAM, she makes you feel embarrassed because she could be talking about you. If you don’t see her, you’re missing the best Comedian out there.” — Phil D
“I don’t think I stopped laughing or smiling at all throughout Jo’s entire show. She was fast paced and engaging, with such a sharp whit – we really enjoyed how effectively she handles the crowd, including the odd heckler, without skipping a beat. I’d consider this a must-see show!” — Hilary M
“Jo Caulfield was excellent tonight! Endlessly sharp with consistently relatable jokes and chat. Thoroughly recommended!!” — Angus D
“Terrific show, totally on point, brilliant humour based on keen wit and oh-so-true observations of ‘real life’. Jo kept us all in stitches without any need for the tiresome torrent of profanity that populates so many other shows. If you have not seen Jo Caulfield’s show yet please do yourself a favour and go. A highlight of the fringe!” — Vicki M
"Be quick to see a top comedian at her very best."
Not every Fringe show title is accurate. Some are darmed confusing. But this is one that hits the nail on the head.
Jo Caulfield has been gracing the Fringe for a long time and boy does she know how to do it. All the ingredients are there, superb comedy writing, flawless presentation, stage presence by the bucket load and a confidence in what she is delivering each year.
There is no pretence of a message in the hour, it is just a quality comic telling the sold-out crowd about events and characters in the last twelve months.
As usual her husband seems to provide a bottomless source of things for her material, be it magazine articles, Ancestry DNA, role play in relationship, an insight to the different sexes on a night out to name a few. There was also a recent holiday to Malaga, an Irish pub with casual racism and dating profiles and newspaper lonely hearts. All subjects that had the audience in stitches throughout.
Jo is also adept with her crowd work, both in gathering info and also dealing with those who ‘wanted to join in’.
There is also a small section where she reads from her book ‘A Funny Thing About Death’ a story of her life with her recently deceased sister Annie, that is both touching yet funny at the same time. Profits from the sale of this are being donated to MacMillan Cancer Charity.
Ms Caulfield’s shows are always very popular and this is no exception. Be quick to see a top comedian at her very best.
"If you’re craving the experience of being absolutely helpless with laughter, this is where you need to come."
As Fringe reviewers, we’re generally on the lookout for new acts. On the other hand, there are some old favourites that we just can’t stop returning to. Jo Caulfield is one such performer. This woman is an enigma, relentlessly old school in her approach, yet with an acidic edge that never feels old fashioned. She has the uncanny ability to nail her chosen target with a few carefully chosen put downs and move on to the next subject.
Razor Sharp is this year’s title and it sums her up very succinctly.
Out she comes and we can see she has a cob on about something and she isn’t holding back. People brave enough to sit in the front row are quickly excoriated, but here’s the thing: they love being demolished! A range of targets are unceremoniously despatched. Old grudges are aired in no uncertain terms. And, most importantly, we are all laughing uncontrollably, pretty much from the word go, at the comprehensive list of irritations she’s made notes on since we last saw her.
In a variation from her norm, she’s recently published a book, but – unlike many comics who go for the ‘how I became funny’ approach or the (inevitable) children’s series – she’s chosen to write about death, more specifically, the untimely demise of her beloved sister. Even more unusual, she’s donating all of the proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support, and she’s already raised thousands of pounds. Yes, copies are available at the shows.
If you’re thinking that it all sounds a bit grim, relax. She reads a brief extract and, while there’s a thread of melancholy woven through the writing, it’s as incisive and bitingly funny as just about everything else she turns her attention to.
So, yes, there will probably be more groundbreaking comedians at the this year’s Fringe. There will be performers who will take you on a journey, who will make you look into your souls and rethink your very existence. But if you’re craving the experience of being absolutely helpless with laughter, this is where you need to come. And to those who quibble about her sharp edges, she has her own glorious riposte.
‘Unlikeable? Me? I’m fuckin’ delightful!’
"Razor-Sharp is a chance to see an award-winning comedian that you should take".
Jo Caulfield’s book ‘The Funny Thing About Death’ was released this week. You can get a signed copy if you go to Razor-Sharp, the comedian’s Edinburgh Fringe act.
I live in Edinburgh, in Leith (according to the council – in Granton, if you ask me), and so does Jo Caufield. Yet, to my error, I’ve never seen Jo perform live.
That’s no longer true. I saw Caulfield last night.
Jo Caulfield’s Razor-Sharp is in The Stand Comedy Club, across the road and down nearly a whole block from the main The Stand.
It was a bit of a chilly bank holiday night as we queued up outside, but the buzz from the line was good. In front of us was a group of friends who had travelled up to Edinburgh just to see Jo. Behind us in the line, there was, I think, a father and daughter, and they had come down from Aberdeen to see Jo. They’d be going back after the gig.
I admit it. I was a bit apprehensive about the booking. When comedians and talents from around the world made their way to Edinburgh in a month, when it’s a logistics concern at Edinburgh Reviews and our sister sites, and when I’d never seen Jo perform before, was making time to see her worth it?
The friendly queue reassured me it was.
What to expect
Razor-Sharp is a show about the things that bother Jo. We’re told that there’s no narrative, no plot point, and just a bunch of things that bothered the Leither this year.
I think that’s largely true, but there are a lot of human truths and relationship insights in here. Men and women bond in very different ways; we communicate differently, too, by and large. I might wonder why that is the case, whether it needs to be, whether it should be the case – but Jo doesn’t go there. Jo just pokes fun at her husband and his friends.
There’s a little bit of audience interaction. Jo needs some couples to talk to as she searches for relationship advice for a friend and the occasional prop in a joke. It’s nothing terrible, though, not unless you’re timid (don’t sit at the front) or fragile (don’t go to a stand-up gig).
The person who takes the most flack, in some ways, is Jo herself. Razor-Sharp doesn’t just describe her tongue but her intelligence too. She’s grumpy, but the show is her hanging a lantern on that, perhaps for introspection but certainly for extrospection. By playing this role, or highlighting it so clearly, Jo lets the audience imagine how they’d react in a similar situation, whether as Jo or as the person dealing with Jo.
My extrospective takeaway is, as ever, to try and be more empathic. As it doesn’t come naturally to me, I should make an effort to step into the shoes of the person I’m talking with and imagine how the conversation might sound to them and what they might be thinking or feeling.
Vibe and performance
I’m pleased to say the good-natured vibe of the queue to Razor-Sharp continued inside. We had some big personalities in the audience, people happily slapping their thighs or standing up to take a wee bow when Jo called them out, and one gent in a bowler hat (yes, really), was happily taking wee nips from a flask.
Jo’s a practised, experienced and talented comedian and that carried the whole night. She was prepared, ready and embraced the crowd. Unsurprisingly, she’s won awards for this, and I’m sure she’ll win them again.
The Stand 3 & 4 isn’t a comedy venue throughout the year. I think it’s a hotel, or long-stay apartments, though, as there was an actual bar in the back corner of the room! That’s especially handy if you fancied a pint as you listened to Jo chat about Leith watering holes.
Thankfully, no one got up mid-performance for a beer and was too drunk for the show.
Overall
At the start of the review, I admitted that I wasn’t sure whether booking in to see Jo was the right idea.
It was.
I’m glad I went, Jo is funny and clever, and the ‘razor-sharp’ here is for her observations, not just her preferred communication method. Recommended. Grab ‘The Funny Thing About Death’ while you’re there, too. It’s an unusually powerful keepsake.
"Sharp, emotional, very funny and highly recommended"
Poor Stuart! Jo Caulfield’s husband is the butt of a good deal of her storytelling. Whatever he may or may not feel about that, audiences love it. Caulfield delivers her trademark acerbic bitchiness, casting her eyes around on the ridiculous things people do. As well as her hapless hubby she takes aim at her women friends, men more generally, and those sad creatures who write to the Metro freebie in the hope that someone they saw on the bus will respond to them.
There’s also a more personal element to the show. Her sister died of cancer in 2016 and Jo has written a book about her sibling relationship, and dealing with the grief since it came to an untimely end. She gave a short reading from her work, which quickly displayed that her writing retains the sarcasm and sharpness she’s known for in her stage act. And for once this isn’t somebody pushing their work for their own benefit, as proceeds from sales are going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Which sounds like two good reasons to buy it.
There’s also a bit of audience interaction and Caulfield is not one to try and be smart with! The title of the show reflects her own ability to come up with one liners swiftly, and put downs if required.
Sharp, emotional, very funny and highly recommended.
“Voted ‘Comedian’s Comedian 2020/21’… Jo Caulfield is so consistently good, you almost take her for granted”
Brilliant hour of fun from one of the best acts on the circuit today. If you haven’t checked out Jo yet, you really should.. you won’t regret it.
She’s a seasoned comic performer, with a great gift for storytelling. Her material was interesting and not the usual, joke, joke, joke you get with many comics. She is very slick with her delivery and can work the crowd. I liked how she pulled all the disparate stories together at the end. Very well worth a watch.
Show number 55 for me this fringe – and this was the best comedy so far. Laugh Out Loud material.
The laughs keep coming, thick and fast. She’s an expert; she knows exactly how to make her material fly: when to push the boundaries and when to rein things in.
With over 3000 shows to choose from at the Fringe, we usually try to avoid seeing the same performers every year, but there are a few exceptions. Like moths to bright flames, we keep coming back to see the latest offerings from Richard Herring, Paines Plough, Flabbergast, Chris Dugdale – and, of course, Jo Caulfield.
Comedy is a broad church, and we have catholic tastes. For us, Caulfield falls into the ‘Mary’s Milk Bar ice cream’ category, i.e. an Edinburgh classic promising pure enjoyment. You know what you’re getting and it never disappoints.
She takes a few moments to check out her audience (who’s seen her before, where people have come from) and then cautions us at the top: “What I do is, I talk about myself and about who’s annoyed me since last year. That’s what this is. You won’t learn anything”. Well, good. I like life-lesson comedy, but I don’t want it all the time. Caulfield is an entertainer, and I’m ready to be entertained.
And we’re off. The laughs keep coming, thick and fast. She’s an expert; she knows exactly how to make her material fly: when to push the boundaries and when to rein things in. The topics are wide-ranging – from her mum’s favourite TV programmes to nationalising the railways; from irksome neighbours to European mini-breaks – and all skewered with her trademark caustic wit. Her onstage persona is blisteringly impatient. “Fuck off!” she roars on more than one occasion, irritated by the idiocy – and sometimes mere existence – of other people (and crafters in particular). But there’s always that twinkle, that sly charm, that means she gets away with it.
We were tired when we arrived. Now we’re energised. We leave smiling, and head off to the pub. 4.6 stars
The reaction of the sell-out audience served to reiterate that Caulfield remains one of the UK’s foremost stand-ups. Her humour is highly engaging, whilst not shying away from controversy on occasion.
The last two and a half years have been “unusual” to say the least. Definitely so for comedians, facing both Covid-related lost income and home confinement replacing nationwide touring. Yet as normality returns in the form of this year’s Fringe, comics such as Jo Caulfield are mining a rich vein of pandemic-derived material.
In Here Comes Trouble, Caulfield – recognisable, rather than over-exposed, from appearances on Have I Got News for You, and Live at the Apollo – takes the audience on a coronavirus-infused journey. “There is no narrative arc” she teases. Instead, focus rapidly shifts through a polemic of revelations and annoyances stemming from March 2020 onwards. And there is a lot ripping Caulfield’s knitting (crafters, be forewarned)!
A laugh-out-loud segment on the twin hazards of drinking and shopping at home during lockdown, and the apparent aftermath as restrictions eased, is as reflective as it is funny. The perils of having to endure “popular” TV whilst Caulfield was looking after her elderly mother are also brought into comedic focus. This culminates in a hilarious, somewhat surreal, sequence imagining a more realistic Great British Train Journeys episode involving presenter Michael Portillo on the final Friday night train from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
Personal relationships are also valid targets, frequently involving Caulfield’s (long suffering) husband, Stewart. An encounter, on a post-covid European holiday, with a free porn channel in a hotel bedroom fills her Aberdonian spouse with delight, but not for obvious reasons. Aberdonians, akin to Yorkshire folk, are famed for their thriftiness and the gag initiates an uproarious monologue.
The reaction of the sell-out audience served to reiterate that Caulfield remains one of the UK’s foremost stand-ups. Her humour is highly engaging, whilst not shying away from controversy on occasion. Her significant comedic skill is reinforced in the show’s finale which brilliantly ties together the preceding, seemingly disparate, strands in a single narrative. Here Comes Trouble is akin to spending a joyous evening with a pandemic-neglected friend. Albeit one who constantly critiques nearly everything about you. To your face.
For an hour of straight stand up, with a tremendous gag rate, Jo Caulfield's stand up can't be beat.
Jo Caulfield is a very popular comedian. Despite not having her own TV show yet, she’s as recognisable as many that already do. She’s been living in Edinburgh since 2013, and, I learn from the queue outside, is seen somewhat as a local celebrity.
Her set borrows from the best of American stand-up traditions. “Don’t look for any theatrical arc, there’s not a bit at the end full of meaning. None of that shit. I just want to make people laugh.” And she does.
We are treated to an hour of acerbic observations and short stories, with a very high gag rate. Caulfield is a tremendous joke writer. Graham Norton, Ruby Wax, and Ant & Dec are among many of the huge names she has penned for.
The comedian’s stage presence is confident and assured. As well written as her show is, she is more than happy to improvise with the audience.
Caulfield only briefly touches on politics, but when she does, there is absolutely no doubt where she stands.
Her jokes about lockdown are the best I’ve heard, among many, at this year’s Fringe. Her take-down of GB News presenters was hilarious. The story of Jo and her husband staying in a luxury hotel in Paris conjures up images that I’m still laughing at days later.
For an hour of straight stand up, with a tremendous gag rate, Jo Caulfield’s stand up can’t be beat.
Ageless and effortless, Jo Caulfield is the act you send Fringe-bewildered visiting relatives to to prove to them that loads of the comedians that aren’t on the TV all the time are much better at the business of stand-up than all the ones they have heard of. Once upon a time, I sent them to John Bishop. I wonder what happened to him? Jo Caulfield is the Stevie Nicks of stand-up. A young Deborah Vance if she was real.
An immaculate performer, a wonderful writer and a consummate professional, delivers an hour of new material, packed out with gags and stories
Always a popular comedian at the Fringe, and elsewhere obviously, Jo Caulfield delivers her 2022 offering to a packed house with everyone well up for the fare on offer.
She is as always an immaculate performer, a wonderful writer and a consummate professional, delivering her hour of new material, packed out with gags and stories
in her accustomed style, slightly caustic about some, bitingly sarcastic of others, but laugh out loud funny throughout.
Jo talks about her life, lockdown, neighbours, football, crafting, online shopping, Great Train journeys, and a couple of city breaks she took with her husband, who
sometimes does get a pasting for his troubles.
It is always a sign of a great show when the performer is winding up and you wonder where the hour went, I would have guessed we had only been in her company for twenty minutes or so and I was not alone with these thoughts I am certain.
Jo Caulfield is always value for money, and is equally a much sought after ticket. To be certain of seeing the show don’t delay with your purchase as you wouldn’t want to miss out.
Jo Caulfield delivers an hour of rock solid, high quality, traditional stand-up to appreciative audiences at The Stand Comedy Club, with occasional flashes of viciousness particularly delighting the room.
Jo Caulfield gives an eloquent voice to your inner misanthrope. Prepare to have every petty impulse, bitchy comeback & off-colour daydream indulged & pushed to the limit. A refreshing, near perfectly-paced set from this pro.
Jo Caulfield is a seasoned performer who every year, puts on a very polished stand-up show. The laughs continue to come thick and fast. She’s a pro after all – and knows exactly when to push the boundaries and when to keep things in check.
You come away thoroughly entertained, smiling and recalling superb put-downs and one-liners. This is surely the perfect Edinburgh Fringe comedy show.
Jo Caulfield walks on to stage, sizes up the audience in moments, and proceeds to question, mock and taunt them.
The venue offers a welcoming bar at the side of the room, and is packed out even this early on in the run – early booking would definitely be prudent to make sure you catch this gem.
What’s clear from the moment she walks on to stage is that she is a genius at her craft – the laughs come fast and repeatedly, and her dry, cutting wit effortlessly encompasses the audience’s dress sense, places of origin, and assumed sexual proclivities into her material.
Jo admits early on that there’s no ‘theme’ to the show – it’s just what she’s observed since last year in Edinburgh. But what she observes are fantastically insightful glimpses into human behaviour, and although there is a caustic, wicked sense of humour at work, constantly critical of both male and female stupidity, there is a genuine human warmth in her view of the world.
A highlight is her reworking of a porn script from a male-centric fantasy to a female story: it’s pure comic gold. She also has a simple and invaluable tip for keeping your husband out of the house for a few hours. Her timing, observation and economy of language are all amazing: it always feels as if her mischievous thoughts are just popping into her head.
You come away thoroughly entertained, smiling and recalling superb put-downs and one-liners. This is surely the perfect Edinburgh Fringe comedy show.
EdinburghFestival.org
5th August 2018
Killing Time is a must-see! Don’t miss this hour of laugh out loud comedy.
It is easy to understand why Jo Caulfield’s shows attract sell-out audiences each year on the Fringe. “Killing Time” is fresh, current, hilarious and so relatable it hurt!
Through Jo’s razor-sharp observational humour and quick-witted interactions with the audience, you are lead, not just through an array of seemingly unlinked, yet individually giggle-worthy anecdotes, but to a climax you do not see coming!
If you’ve caught any of Leith resident Jo Caulfield’s many TV appearances, on shows such as Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You, you know she is funny. But, after a side-splitting hour in her company, you learn that this comedian is one clever lady.
From Gremlins to flashers, men’s speciality subjects and their lack of forethought in threesome fantasies, via snooty sales girls, phone booths and a two-drink minimum in New York, Jo’s show is a must-see this August!
By the end of the show our sides ached and we realised we had not laughed as hard as we had Killing Time with Jo Caulfield, in quite some time. An easy 5 stars from the fiercely fussy Edinburgh Little Black Book team.
If you appreciate dry wit and sarcasm then you will most definitely appreciate “Killing Time”. If you want to laugh non-stop for an hour, do not miss this show.
Jo Caulfield is a regular at the Edinburgh Fringe and now a local to a neighbourhood in the City so it’s fair to say she knows a thing or two about the comedy festival, this year’s show is called “Killing Time”.
Jo focuses on drawing from her own experiences and anything that irritates her as well as poking fun at the audience, watch out silver fox gentlemen! She engages perfectly with the audience with her warm personality and relatability creating the perfect connection for encouraging interaction.
With an easy to listen to voice, this is a show I could see again and again. With Jo’s quick-witted responses to audience participation, she was always on point and never went off track, she has the expertise to always adapt to her audience.
Brilliantly hilarious and witty, or in the words of my companion “that was Funny as Fuck” we could not stop crying with laughter as Jo shared stories of holidays, hobbies, relationships and people she has met along the way.
The show is entertaining with a relaxed vibe but still had a little element of shock and Jo genuinely looks like she is having a great time along the audience.
The room was filled with laughter with a mix of adults of different ages. If you appreciate dry wit and sarcasm then you will most definitely appreciate “Killing Time”.
If you want to laugh pretty much non-stop for an hour and want a local comedian then do not miss this show.
Hilarious results generating howls of laughter throughout her hour.
There can be few comedians who perform at the Fringe annually that maintain a consistent high standards that Ms Caulfield does and the lady has done it again with Killing Time for Fringe 2018.
Mixing the inevitably funny, well observed and immaculately delivered show material with her undoubted skills of crowd work, all with hilarious results generating howls of laughter throughout her hour.
She oozes professionalism from the moment she hits the stage, with crowd work, identifying characters that were later included in things, before moving on to the main set. No messages here, just Jo chatting about her year, her husbands attempt at dying his hair, an anniversary trip to New York, snippy receptionists, airport security queues, Harrods shopping, pre-mobile phone communications, which was a learning curve for the younger viewers. Also changes in long term relationships, and of course the differences between the sexes in respect to titillation, sexual promiscuity and looking after a 6 year old, all are stopping off points during the way, way too short hour.
She uses all the tools of her trade to make the show something for each and every one in her audience, and offers a few of her own thoughts as to how things could be improved… and don’t forget the multitudinous laughs along the way.
There’s a real joy to be had in watching someone so confident and assured. And Jo Caulfield can be relied upon to deliver a great show.
I don’t go to see Jo Caulfield in order to be surprised. I’ve been a fan of her comedy for long enough to know what to expect – and I’m looking forward to another helping of her sly sarcasm. I’m not disappointed.
It’s Saturday night and the room is packed; Caulfield’s reputation means an audience is guaranteed, and she well deserves it. She makes it look effortless – her stage persona is all shrugs and don’t-give-a-fuck – but it would be a mistake to underestimate the skill that makes this show. She’s sharp, assessing her audience at the same time as engaging us, pushing boundaries with deceptive innocence.
In Killing Time Caulfield sticks to what she knows. ‘There won’t be a theme or a message to this show,’ she says, ‘If you want that, you’ll need to go elsewhere. This’ll just be me, talking about what I’ve done, what I’ve been thinking…’ And it is, kind of – but it’s so much more as well. It’s observational comedy, sure, but a clear illustration of why that genre persists: in the right hands – in her hands – it’s funny. She’s outraged, regularly, by other people’s behaviour, by their rudeness or their lack of awareness, by their sheer stupidity. She maintains a straight face throughout, a wide-eyed insouciance belying the audacity of some of what she says: she’s the queen of bitchy put-downs but she keeps us on her side. It’s an impressive tight-rope walk.
Okay, so there’s quite a lot of men-do-this-and-women-do-that stuff, but she makes it work – it doesn’t seem hack. The observations are fresh and precisely delivered, and the audience response is proof they hit their mark.
There’s a real joy to be had in watching someone so confident and assured. And Jo Caulfield can be relied upon to deliver a great show.
Jo Caulfield is whip-smart, her stories as insightful as they are hilarious.
Edinburgh Fringe 2018: 10 comedy shows you must see! There are 1,408 comedy shows alone being staged at the Edinburgh Festival this year, far too many for one person to try to see. But these are the stand-out performers who had our critics rolling on the floor…
Women are all about emotion. Men only communicate in facts. Well, so says Jo Caulfield, so here are a few facts about the comedian courtesy of Killing Time.
Her latest Fringe show has a title, but no overarching theme, it’s just what’s happened to her in the last year and random observations about life. She gets a lot of comic mileage out of her Aberdonian husband. She really doesn’t think much of men who sport Peaky Blinders caps. She and the husband went to New York to celebrate their anniversary and condescension ensued. She judges you…
… And the packed house at The Stand judged her observations pretty damn funny. Caulfield is whip-smart, her stories as insightful as they are hilarious, her wicked barbs towards others balanced by a tendency to be as honest about her own failings. Of course, every comic is presenting a version of themselves, the one that will get the most laughs, but the on-stage Caulfield always rings true.
With her hair newly piled atop her head, and a casual elegance, she has a look of the great Katharine Hepburn, but while Hepburn could be brilliantly waspish on screen, she didn’t write her own material. Caulfield’s areas of interest this year include the wisdom of inciting foreign folk to drop by if they’re ever in Scotland, the trouble with New Town bars and kiddies who expect to be worshipped. And as ever with Caulfield, there’s plenty of bouncing off the audience, not literally, of course (though that might be fun). Caulfield has few peers in this area. If you’ve never seen Jo Caulfield live, I could list plenty of reasons why you should. Or have I done that already?
An hour of consistently high standard comedy.
Jo Caulfield strides on stage with all the self-assuredness of the seasoned performer that she is. Wryly observing the audience, she comments that we ‘look holidayish – last night’s audience dressed up more’, and this sets the scene for some gentle audience interaction where Caulfield pointed out some ‘silver foxes’ and ‘peaky wankers’. This is an hour of safe, middle class tomfoolery which will keep you in a state of merriment for the full hour.
Despite asserting at the beginning that there is no deeper message or ‘journey’ contained within her performance, Caulfield does foray into the occasional political observation. An anti tory quip and an introspection on the gendered nature of attitudes to promiscuity demonstrate the hidden depths in her material, exercised with her natural finesse.
Misadventures in Harrods, robbing Air-BnB’s and being flashed on a Greek holiday are all topics explored by Caulfield, who deals well with an audience member disclosing her own experience of indecent exposure at the hands of her best friend’s dad. And toward the end, Caulfield also exercises a feat of genius as she dissects the non-sensical; re-writing her own pornography improv-style, calling back all the previous quips and audience interactions and injecting them seamlessly into the story line.
An hour of consistently high standard comedy, though nothing which breaks barriers or comes across as cutting edge – which, admittedly, isn’t the vibe Caulfield is going for. An easy going hour of middle class conviviality which will keep you amused from start to finish.
If you’re looking for an hour of classic stand-up, Jo Caulfield is the perfect choice.
Jo Caulfield’s new show Killing Time does what it says on the tin. It’s an hour of odd topics and observations covering everything from tales of Australian travellers to hotel baggage handling and one extremely embarrassing trip to Harrods.
It’s a casual show, with Caulfield expertly incorporating stories and opinions from the front few rows, poking some fun and having a great time doing it.
She is also more than happy to poke fun at herself, shamelessly revealing details of her marriage, sex life and narrative porn preferences. Her dry wit and sarcasm are staples of British comedy and she represents a well-known sense of humour.
There’s a few moments that are likely best suited to an older audience, with several jokes focusing on long-term marriage as well as Caulfield’s observations on bewildering modern trends.
It isn’t a show that breaks new ground in the comedy game or deviates from the norm, but it’s entertaining, light and is an enjoyable hour. Not so much a show for families, but definitely for couples or groups out on the town.
If you’re looking for an hour of classic stand-up delivered by an Edinburgh local, Jo Caulfield is the perfect choice.
Totally unmissable show – again. Go Jo!
A comedy stalwart of the Fringe, Caulfield has been treading the stand-up scene here since 2001 and kept coming back even after that first season when she saw a guy urinating on her pristine fringe poster. Indeed she loves Edinburgh so much she moved here, firstly to twee Morningside and latterly Leith, and Edinburgh was her specialist subject on Celebrity Mastermind last December. Her new show capitalises on her interaction with the audience and finding out where they are from and what their names are, how long the couples have been together – all the stuff that women love to know.
When two disparate groups admit they have come from Aberdeen quick as a flash she says: “I bet you all travelled in one car.” Her routines about the differences between men and women are totally on the money, as are her observations about girls’ nights out and just generally about getting older and hating the party scene. She hates it so much that she patiently waits for a signal from her husband to leave, usually when he has insulted everyone in the room. Brilliant. Caulfield admitted to a little nervousness in trying out this new show. That’s gutsy and shows the trooper in her.
There are great gags about people with allergies and intolerances, and those who need to go to anger management courses, those on diets, how she tried to change her husband so much she even tried to change his name to Julio as it goes better with Jo. A routine about interviewing her husband on their first date is priceless as like many women she has planned out a whole scenario and has a check list – does he have a car, can he drive, does he own a good suit? Can he fill the position? Ha. This show is more raw than last year’s – a few more expletives, a little bit more edgy, more daring, taking more chances with the crowd, and generally going with the flow. Her gags this year also feature stellar improvs of conversations in bars, continental supermarkets – supermarché to you and me – and even exchanges in Tesco in Leith.
Totally unmissable show – again. Go Jo!