Jo Caulfield
Encyclopedia
Josephine Caulfield is a British actress, writer
and comedian
.
to Irish
parents, she was brought up in Derbyshire
and Leicestershire England
.
At 17 Jo moved to London. For two years she lived in a squat in Ladbrooke Grove, West London, and played drums in a Rockabilly band. Heavily influenced by The Cramps and The Fleshtones the band went nowhere fast due to their "lack of songs, musical ability and talent. But we did wear nice clothes" - Jo Caulfield (Radio 4 interview).
, getting her own gigs, doing a BBC Radio 4
show.
She has appeared at major comedy clubs, both in the UK and overseas, and has completed two solo nationwide tours, and a further three as support act of Graham Norton, Puppetry of the Penis
, and Rory Bremner
. For the last nine years, Caulfield has taken a new solo stand-up comedy
show to the Edinburgh Fringe
.
Caulfield was Comedy Writer/Programme Consultant for all five series of the BAFTA Award-winning So Graham Norton
. She was also head writer on both Ruby Wax
's Waiting Game and Zoe Ball’s ‘Strictly Dance Fever’ (BBC3). Jo has also written for Joan Rivers, Anne Robinson, Denise Van Outen and Ant & Dec among others.
, Mock the Week
, The Stand-up Show, The Comedy Store
, The World Stands Up, Have I Got News For You, Argumental and The Politics Show. Most recently, she appeared on 'Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow'.
In November 2008 Jo presented a video piece for BBC1's 'The One Show' about Charles Darwin. Jo visited the Darwin exhibition at the Natural History Museum to see what this great thinker thought were the pros and cons of marriage.
In March 2010 Jo had her set at London's Comedy Store filmed for the up-and-coming The Comedy Store series on Comedy Central.
In April 2010 Jo presented a piece for BBC1's The Politics Show. Filmed at the Harrogate Theatre during her 'Won't Shut Up' tour Jo canvassed the audience about their views on politics, politicians and the 2010 election campaign. The 6 minute video is on Jo's website.
She is also a TV warm-up artist, and is the regular warm-up for Have I Got News for You
(with two appearances as a contestant). Other TV shows she regularly worked on include V Graham Norton
, Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, Bremner, Bird and Fortune
, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
, and Perfect World
.
Acting credits include Family Affairs
, Days Like These
, Beast, and Get Real.
, The Fred MacAulay Show, The Motion Show, Parsons and Naylor's Pull-Out Section, Quote... Unquote
, The Sunday Programme (LBC Radio), The Now Show
and Twenty Twenty
.
In January 2006 Jo recorded her own Radio 4
comedy series: It's That Jo Caulfield Again'' to much critical acclaim. The Times, Guardian, Observer, Evening Standard and Heat Magazine all made the show their 'Pick Of The Day'. The series was primarily written by Jo Caulfield, and featured regular cast members Vicky Pepperdine, Dave Mounfield and Simon Greenall.
A second series, featuring Sharon Horgan, Alan Francis and simon Greenall, went out in June 2007.
In December 2007 the third series of "It's That Jo Caulfield Again" was broadcast. The cast: Zoe Lyons, Marian Pashley, Moray Hunter and Simon Greenall.
In November 2009 a new series, Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up!, went out in the 6.30pm comedy slot on Radio 4. The series was primarily written by Jo Caulfield, and featured regular cast members Zoe Lyons, Nick Revel and Simon Greenall. The first show was recorded live at the Edinburgh Festival, with special guest Paul Sneedon.
In June 2010 "Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up!" was repeated in the 11 o'clock slot on Radio 4.
2002:
2003:
2004:
2005:
2006:
2007:
2008:
2009:
2010:
UK tours:
writer Kevin Anderson, after she played at his comedy club, the Hampstead Comedy Clinic in London
early into her career. The couple married in New York City
in 2002, and live in London.
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
and comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
.
Biography
Born in WalesWales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
to Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
parents, she was brought up in Derbyshire
Derbyshire
Derbyshire is a county in the East Midlands of England. A substantial portion of the Peak District National Park lies within Derbyshire. The northern part of Derbyshire overlaps with the Pennines, a famous chain of hills and mountains. The county contains within its boundary of approx...
and Leicestershire England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
.
At 17 Jo moved to London. For two years she lived in a squat in Ladbrooke Grove, West London, and played drums in a Rockabilly band. Heavily influenced by The Cramps and The Fleshtones the band went nowhere fast due to their "lack of songs, musical ability and talent. But we did wear nice clothes" - Jo Caulfield (Radio 4 interview).
Career
Deciding she wanted to get into comedy, Caulfield worked as a waitress during the day, saved up her tips, bought a small mic & amp, and opened her own comedy club. After meeting her partner, the couple agreed a two-year plan to either make it or give up. Caulfield was soon writing for Graham NortonGraham Norton
Graham William Walker, known by his stage name Graham Norton , is an Irish actor, comedian, television presenter and columnist...
, getting her own gigs, doing a BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
show.
Writer/comedian
In 2010 Jo Caulfield was nominated as ‘Funniest Woman 2010’ (LAFTA Awards). She has previously been nominated as ‘Best Female Comedian 2002’ (Chortle Awards), 'Best Compere 2004' (Chortle Awards) and one of ‘The 100 Greatest Stand-Ups’ (Channel4).She has appeared at major comedy clubs, both in the UK and overseas, and has completed two solo nationwide tours, and a further three as support act of Graham Norton, Puppetry of the Penis
Puppetry of the Penis
Puppetry of the Penis is a performance show. The show was initially conceived by Australian Simon Morley as the title of an art calendar, showcasing 12 of his favourite penis installations...
, and Rory Bremner
Rory Bremner
Roderick "Rory" Keith Ogilvy Bremner, FKC is a Scottish impressionist, playwright and comedian, noted for his work in political satire...
. For the last nine years, Caulfield has taken a new solo stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy is a comedic art form. Usually, a comedian performs in front of a live audience, speaking directly to them. Their performances are sometimes filmed for later release via DVD, the internet, and television...
show to the Edinburgh Fringe
Edinburgh Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. Established in 1947 as an alternative to the Edinburgh International Festival, it takes place annually in Scotland's capital, in the month of August...
.
Caulfield was Comedy Writer/Programme Consultant for all five series of the BAFTA Award-winning So Graham Norton
So Graham Norton
So Graham Norton is a British television programme, hosted by Irish personality Graham Norton. It ran from 3 July 1998 to 1 March 2002.-Theme:...
. She was also head writer on both Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax is a BAFTA nominated American comedian who made a career in the United Kingdom as part of the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s.-Early life:...
's Waiting Game and Zoe Ball’s ‘Strictly Dance Fever’ (BBC3). Jo has also written for Joan Rivers, Anne Robinson, Denise Van Outen and Ant & Dec among others.
Television
Caulfield's own TV appearances include Never Mind The BuzzcocksNever Mind the Buzzcocks
Never Mind the Buzzcocks is a comedy panel game television show with a pop music theme, currently without a permanent presenter. It stars Phill Jupitus and Noel Fielding as team captains. The show is produced by Talkback Thames for the BBC, and is usually aired on BBC Two...
, Mock the Week
Mock the Week
Mock the Week is a British topical celebrity panel game hosted by Dara Ó Briain that launched in 2005. The game is influenced by improvised topical stand-up comedy, with several rounds requiring players to deliver answers on unexpected subjects on the spur of the moment.It is made by independent...
, The Stand-up Show, The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is a comedy club located in West Hollywood, California, at 8433 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip. It has a sister comedy club in La Jolla, San Diego, California.-History:...
, The World Stands Up, Have I Got News For You, Argumental and The Politics Show. Most recently, she appeared on 'Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow'.
In November 2008 Jo presented a video piece for BBC1's 'The One Show' about Charles Darwin. Jo visited the Darwin exhibition at the Natural History Museum to see what this great thinker thought were the pros and cons of marriage.
In March 2010 Jo had her set at London's Comedy Store filmed for the up-and-coming The Comedy Store series on Comedy Central.
In April 2010 Jo presented a piece for BBC1's The Politics Show. Filmed at the Harrogate Theatre during her 'Won't Shut Up' tour Jo canvassed the audience about their views on politics, politicians and the 2010 election campaign. The 6 minute video is on Jo's website.
Full List
Mock The Week (BBC2), Have I Got News For You (BBC1), Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC2) Argumental (Dave UKTV), The Comedy Store (Comedy Central), The Politics Show (BBC1), Sex Bombs (BBC2 Northern Ireland), Strictly Dancing: It Takes Two (BBC2), Most Annoying People 2009 (BBC3), Most Annoying People 2008 (BBC3), The ONE Show (BBC1), World Rally: Portugal 2009 (Dave UKTV), Saturday Night Live (ITV1), Girls Who Do Comedy (BBC1), The Bigger Picture (BBC1), Mock The Week (Dave UKTV), The Blame Game (BBC N. Ireland), World’s Greatest Stand Up (Ch4), The Stand Up Show (BBC1), The World Stands Up (Comedy Central), Comic Side Of 7 Days (BBC3), That’s So Last Week (Ch5), Stitch Up (BBC1), Best Of The Comedy Store (Ch5), The Comedy Store - series 2, 4 & 6 (Ch5), So Graham Norton (Ch4), Music Hall Meltdown (BBC4), And Then You Die (Dave UKTV), Test The Nation (BBC1), Big Brothers Little Brother (Ch4), Back In The Day (Ch4), Bridget Jones Cultural Icon (ITV), 100 Greatest Tearjerkers (Ch4), 100 Greatest Christmas Moments (Ch4), The Comedain’s Comedian (Ch4), Who Stole Bob Monkhouse’s Jokes (BBC), Take The Mike (ITV), Life’s A Pitch (BBC1), Ladies & Gentlemen (BBC), The Loafers (BBC North), Notes From The Ditch (BBC South), The Jack Docherty Show (Ch5), Don’t Drink The Water (BBC Challenge), You’re Not Yourself Today (BBC), Five’s Company (Ch5),She is also a TV warm-up artist, and is the regular warm-up for Have I Got News for You
Have I Got News for You
Have I Got News for You is a British television panel show produced by Hat Trick Productions for the BBC. It is based loosely on the BBC Radio 4 show The News Quiz, and has been broadcast since 1990, currently the BBC's longest-ever running television panel show...
(with two appearances as a contestant). Other TV shows she regularly worked on include V Graham Norton
V Graham Norton
V Graham Norton was an entertainment programme shown on Channel 4 in the UK starring Graham Norton, broadcast every weeknight as a successor to the weekly So Graham Norton. It aired from 6 May 2002 to 26 December 2003. It featured celebrities who chatted with Graham and became involved in studio...
, Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, Bremner, Bird and Fortune
Bremner, Bird and Fortune
Bremner, Bird and Fortune is an award-winning satirical British television programme produced by Vera Productions for Channel Four, uniting the longstanding satirical team of John Bird and John Fortune with the satirical impressionist Rory Bremner.The show started in 1999. The fourteenth series...
, Gimme Gimme Gimme, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps was a BBC sitcom created and written by Susan Nickson. It is set in the town of Runcorn in Cheshire, England, and initially revolves around the lives of five twenty-somethings, played by Ralf Little , Sheridan Smith , Will Mellor , Natalie Casey and...
, and Perfect World
Perfect World
Perfect World , is a 3D adventure and fantasy MMORPG with traditional Chinese settings. Players can take on various roles depending on choice of race and choice of class within that race....
.
Acting credits include Family Affairs
Family Affairs
Family Affairs was a British soap opera broadcast on Five, from 1997 to 2005. It was the second programme to be broadcast on the channel on 30 March 1997, the channel's launch night...
, Days Like These
Days Like These
Days Like These is a British TV series remake of the popular American sitcom That '70s Show. Directed by Bob Spiers, it was broadcast Fridays at 8.30pm on ITV in 1999 and used many of the same names , or slight alterations . It was set in Dunstable, Bedfordshire...
, Beast, and Get Real.
Radio
She has been a regular guest on many radio shows: It's Been a Bad WeekIt's Been a Bad Week
It’s Been a Bad Week is a British radio comedy on BBC Radio 2, first broadcast on 11 February 1999. It is presented by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis, and is also referred to as Punt and Dennis: It's Been a Bad Week. More than 100 episodes have been broadcast , the latest series ending on 22 June 2006....
, The Fred MacAulay Show, The Motion Show, Parsons and Naylor's Pull-Out Section, Quote... Unquote
Quote... Unquote
Quote... Unquote is a long-running panel game broadcast on BBC Radio 4 based on quotations. Every episode since the beginning of the series in 1976 has been chaired by its deviser, Nigel Rees. In July 2011, the programme began a new series, being broadcast at 1.30pm on Mondays, repeated on...
, The Sunday Programme (LBC Radio), The Now Show
The Now Show
The Now Show is a British radio comedy broadcast on BBC Radio 4, which satirises the week's news. The show is a mixture of stand-up, sketches and songs presented by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis...
and Twenty Twenty
Twenty Twenty
Twenty Twenty is a British independent television production company which joined the Shed Media Group in September 2007. The company produces documentaries, current affairs, drama, living history, and children's television.-Current productions:...
.
In January 2006 Jo recorded her own Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
comedy series: It's That Jo Caulfield Again'' to much critical acclaim. The Times, Guardian, Observer, Evening Standard and Heat Magazine all made the show their 'Pick Of The Day'. The series was primarily written by Jo Caulfield, and featured regular cast members Vicky Pepperdine, Dave Mounfield and Simon Greenall.
A second series, featuring Sharon Horgan, Alan Francis and simon Greenall, went out in June 2007.
In December 2007 the third series of "It's That Jo Caulfield Again" was broadcast. The cast: Zoe Lyons, Marian Pashley, Moray Hunter and Simon Greenall.
In November 2009 a new series, Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up!, went out in the 6.30pm comedy slot on Radio 4. The series was primarily written by Jo Caulfield, and featured regular cast members Zoe Lyons, Nick Revel and Simon Greenall. The first show was recorded live at the Edinburgh Festival, with special guest Paul Sneedon.
In June 2010 "Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up!" was repeated in the 11 o'clock slot on Radio 4.
Live shows
2001:- Jo Caulfield - It's Not That Important (Pleasance Dome/Edinburgh Festival)
2002:
- Jo Caulfield - Live (Pleasance Upstairs/Edinburgh Festival)
2003:
- Jo Caulfield - It's That Jo Caulfield Again (Pleasance Cabaret Bar/Edinburgh Festival
2004:
- Jo Caulfield - Role Model (Pleasance Queen Dome/Edinburgh Festival)
2005:
- Jo Caulfield - Who Are You? (Pleasance Cavern/Edinburgh Festival)
2006:
- Jo Caulfield - Emotional Warfare (Pleasance Queen Dome/Edinburgh Festival)
2007:
- Jo Caulfield - Goes To Hell (Assembly Rooms/Edinburgh Festival)
2008:
- Jo Caulfield - Two-Faced Bitch? (Stand Comedy Club/Edinburgh Festival)
2009:
- Jo Caulfield - Won't Shut Up! (Stand Comedy Club/Edinburgh Festival)
2010:
- Jo Caulfield - Cruel To Be Kind (Stand Comedy Club/Edinburgh Festival)
UK tours:
- 2006 Jo Caulfield Live:
- 2008 Jo Caulfield Goes To Hell:
- 2010 Jo Caulfield Won't Shut Up
Personal life
Jo met her husband, ScottishScotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
writer Kevin Anderson, after she played at his comedy club, the Hampstead Comedy Clinic in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
early into her career. The couple married in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in 2002, and live in London.