In Profile: Jo Caulfield

Although regular appearances on shows like Have I Got News For You have made Jo Caulfield one of the most familiar faces in British comedy, she’s still conducting experiments on stand-up comedy, fiddling with the DNA of what’s funny.

“As comics,” she tells us, “we all tend to get trapped in doing ‘what we know will work’.” Hence the launch of Jo Caulfield’s Comedy Collective, which she describes as “something weird and fun where the comedians could feel free to take risks and do something outside of their comfort zone."

Caulfield describes the first show as a huge success. “All the comics really stepped up to the plate. There was a great energy in the room – some of the energy being fear and nerves and some the excitement and surprise of things working that hadn’t been tried before.” New material was tried out by regulars of The Stand like Ben Verth, Vladimir McTavish and Jay Lafferty, whilst Graeme Thomas and Jim Park engaged in an 8 Mile-style Joke-Off, with the audience picking the best gags. The Joke-Off was a big hit, and the plan is to have even more comedians squaring up to each other at the next Comedy Collective.

The Collective’s second outing is at the Edinburgh Stand on the 19th, and should become a regular feature. “Hopefully Tom Stade will be coming in. Siân Bevan is a brilliant performer. And now the thought has just hit me: Tom and Siân should do something together!” She’s also planning to bring psychologist Richard Wiseman down to do some magic – but hasn’t told him yet.

An Edinburgh resident and Fringe veteran, Caulfield is giving 2011 a miss, instead directing her energy towards her upcoming tour and recording a CD. She will be supporting the festival, though, and is keen to tip Ben Verth, John Scott and Liam Mullone as the pick of the free shows.

Her commitment to helping up-and-coming acts spills over onto her website, which is full of advice for new comedians. One tip stands out as a subtle hint for comedy audiences: “Just because you make an audience laugh, it doesn't mean they'll buy you a drink after the show. No matter how long you hang around the bar looking 'approachable'.” Try and bear this in mind if you see her looking thirsty.