Review: Jo Caulfield

Simon ParkinJo Caulfield is something of a comedy veteran having performed at stand-up clubs for over a decade and in that time has gathered glowing reviews, comedy awards and a word-of-mouth reputation that has secured her spot on numerous panel shows and her own Radio 4 show.Simon Parkin

Norwich Playhouse

Jo Caulfield is something of a comedy veteran having performed at stand-up clubs for over a decade and in that time has gathered glowing reviews, comedy awards and a word-of-mouth reputation that has secured her spot on numerous panel shows and her own Radio 4 show.

However from the opening gambit about the state of the Norwich's snowy footpaths, you knew this wasn't going to be a cutting edge night of comedy innovation.

Though she was on great form, playfully teasing the front row with some quick one liners, this was stand-up of the old school variety, slightly tamed it seemed towards a more mature audience. Comfy armchair comedy you might say, rather than edge of the seat.

However it wasn't necessarily any the worse for that. Certainly she is a master yarn teller with a quick wit and not someone you'd relish heckling, not that anyone did.

There was no theme as such just fairly random observational ramblings that ranged from the perils of dating to the funny things her aging parents get up to - which drew particular chuckles from the older members of the audience.

Some parts of it worked better than others and occasionally the audience were seemingly left patiently waiting for her to rant some more about the stupid things her husband does.

The female members of the audience at least, because it was a notable that the women present were on the whole laughing more than the men.

The groups that had come as part of a girls night probably got the most from what was others was an entertaining but unchallenging evening.