Jo Caulfield: Bad Mood Rising
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.
★★★★★
