Paul McCaffrey
Finalist in the 2008 Laughing Horse new act competition
Reviews
Paul McCaffrey: Name in Lights
Paul McCaffrey is a solid comedian who, like Ronseal, does exactly what he says on the tin - something that’s evidenced by the fact that he really does have his name in lights. The backdrop to his show is a retina-burning neon sign that cost him £500, but it’s well worth the price in subliminal advertising. After all, the audience are all staring at it for a full hour, so it’s unlikely we’ll ever forget his name. In fact, several days on it’s still there whenever we close our eyes.
Paul’s cheeky, self-deprecating humour is entirely at odds with the ego-boosting lights behind him. He explains that he bought them to send a message to an old teacher who, when Paul announced that he’d ‘have his name in lights’ one day, sneered ‘what, you?’
The rest of the show centres around the (many) times people have either doubted, underestimated or patronised him, though to be fair, he does seem to be a bit of an unlikely candidate for success. He looks like the love child of David Mitchell and a passing hobbit and cuts a fairly unprepossessing figure in his baggy grey jumper and jeans. In fact, you’d be forgiven for mistaking him for the taxi driver who brought the real comedian to the gig.
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However, there’s no doubt that Paul really is the comedian in question. His jokes- largely about himself- rarely fail to hit the mark and his rapport with the audience is excellent. It’s no surprise when he reveals that he used to be a London pub landlord.
He’s warm, witty and inherently likeable, riffing on subjects as diverse as Coke Zero, visits to the gym and his failure to tan on holiday. It’s fairly standard anecdotal stuff, but it’s polished, warm and well rehearsed. The only real misstep is the song at the end, as Paul isn’t the best singer and his lyrics, though funny, aren’t really witty enough to overcome wriggles of awkwardness from the audience.
Will he ever have his name in lights without having to fork over a month’s rent for the privilege? That remains to be seen, but in the short term he’s a reliable comic who guarantees a fun hour in return for your cash… though be careful not to tilt your head, say ‘ahhh, bless you for trying’ or admit that you hadn’t expected much from him. He really doesn’t like that.
News
Comments
Paul McCaffrey Dates
Mon 28 Apr 2014
- The Good Ship
- 20:00~22:30
- £5 (£4 in advance)
- David Mills, Luke Benson, Paul McCaffrey, Tim Renkow, Ben Van Der Velde (MC)
Mon 12 May 2014
Book Now- Outside The Box
- 20:00
- Adult - £10.00
- Brett Goldstein, Maff Brown, Mike Wilmot, Paul McCaffrey
Thu 29 May 2014
- The Oxford
- 20:00
- £10
- Hayley Ellis, Paul McCaffrey
Thu 29 May 2014
- Duke Of Wellington
- 20:00~22:45
- From £3 to £6
- Laurence Tuck, Luke Graves, Nick Hodder, Paul McCaffrey
Sat 31 May 2014
- Bearcat Club
- 20:00
- £15
- Erich McElroy, Gordon Southern, Paul McCaffrey
Thu 5 Jun 2014
- Lichfield George Hotel
- 19:45~00:00
- £13
- Danny Sutcliffe, Nick Page, Paul McCaffrey, Sam Avery (MC)
Thu 5 Jun 2014
Book Now- Ashby-de-la-Zouch Lyric Rooms
- 19:45~00:00
- £9
- Nick Page, Paul McCaffrey, Stuart Mitchell, Spiky Mike (MC)
Fri 6 Jun 2014
- Taunton Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre
- 19:30~21:30
- From £10 to £12
- Bec Hill, Paul McCaffrey, Tom Webb (MC)
Sat 7 Jun 2014
- Taunton Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre
- 14:00~15:00
- From £7 to £10
- Bec Hill, Paul McCaffrey, Tom Webb (MC)
More Paul McCaffrey Dates …
Sun 22 Jun 2014
- Derby Bar One
- 13:30~22:15
- £7
- Eddy Brimson, Ivo Graham, John Robins, Martin Mor, Paul McCaffrey, Rob Rouse
Fri 27 Jun 2014
- Colchester Mercury Theatre
- 20:00
- £10
- Paul McCaffrey, Phil Wang
Fri 25 Jul 2014
- Brighton Caroline of Brunswick
- 19:45~22:30
- From £5.50 to £6.50
- Paul McCaffrey, Sean McLoughlin
Sat 26 Jul 2014
Thu 30 Oct 2014
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:00
- Adult - £12.00, Student - £5.00
- Paul McCaffrey, Steve Gribbin
Fri 31 Oct 2014
Book Now- Birmingham Glee Club
- 20:15
- Adult - £15.50, Student - £5.00
- Paul McCaffrey, Steve Gribbin
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Older Comments
Wanda - 28/10/2012
Good comedian. Nice mix of audience stuff and pre prepared lines. Funny. Go see.
MEB - 22/07/2012
This bloke is good. He's likeable and sharp, knows how to hold an audience once their with him.
James Mullinger - 09/11/2011
A brilliant act who never fails to reduce me to hysterics every time I see him.
Vicky - 27/08/2011
I saw Paul at the After Hours Comedy show a couple of days ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. I thought his shortened set included some witty and cheeky observations on human behaviour and found it highly entertaining. So much so that I've made an effort to look up other shows he may be doing in the near future on the internet. Paul, please do a comedy show in London so I can come and watch!!
david ivey - 07/08/2011
Saw this guy at the Edinburgh fringe, he should be avoided like the plague, he threw the dummy when he got heckled and left the stage, came back on but really should have stayed off, if anyone thinks using the word twat in comedy is funny then he's your man, otherwise avoid.
Leigh - 14/12/2010
Paul is simply quality. go see him now. you won't be disappointed.
James M - 02/10/2010
Very enjoyable, he's got some great tales amd excellant delivery.
David Morrison - 30/08/2010
He's not 'made' it yet, and already appears tired. Time to refresh your set matey.
Ken Russell - 04/12/2009
Really excellent. If comedy is all about timing, then he is destined for great things. Agree with some of the other comments that the material could be stronger, but delivery and stage presence are superb!
The Reviewer - 17/11/2009
An excellent up and coming comic. Original gags, smooth delivery, great stage presence. Well worth going to see
Bill Ryan - 26/05/2009
Certainly not the most intriguing, exciting, interesting material I have ever listened to. But there's something about him, which i stuggle to determine, that I think puts him in good stead. Perhaps, it's his continual ability to add tag-lines; or impressive story-telling qualities that can elevate the most tired pedestrian writing. I'm not quite sure, but I'm definately sure that i'm keeping my eye on him. One for the future - I place my bets.
Terry Stamp - 16/02/2009
His comedic stature towers over his physical height. Which is not difficult.
Stephen Lad - 17/08/2008
I don't think I laughed once during his set. Needs to come up with more original material than this. Shoddy. Saw him at the Edinburgh show. He was the worst.