The Edinburgh Interviews 2017: Paul McCaffrey

Paul McCaffrey is a recognisable face as one of the jokers on Impractical Jokers, alongside Roisin Conaty, Joel Dommett and Marek Larwood. McCaffrey has supported some of the biggest names in comedy on tour, from Sean Lock to Rob Beckett, and now he brings his latest stand up show Suburban Legend at the Edinburgh Festival. He is performing his free show at the Laughing Horse at the Counting House throughout August.

1) What excites you most about the Edinburgh Festival?

Certain restaurants and the rooftop hydro pool at the Sheraton hotel (I never used to be this much of a ponce, I’m sure I didn’t).

2) What was your first Edinburgh show about?

It was about a man trying to stretch 20 minutes over an hour with varying degrees of success.

3) Does your comedy attract a certain type of audience?

It’s starting to. I was in a TV show a few years back (Impractical Jokers on BBC3) which some people really liked and I get a good few people that come from that. I’d say it’s fairly broad though, accessible to most people.

4) What is the worst experience you’ve had with Edinburgh accommodation?

Mice, last year. My regular Edinburgh flat mate, Matt Forde absolutely shat himself and had a sleepless night in the front room because he could hear them in his bedroom. Very funny.

5) What is your most treasured memory of your comedy career so far? 

I’ve been on tour with Sean Lock this year, as a long time fan, that was pretty special.

6) What show will you definitely be seeing at the festival this year? 

I always see Matt Forde, that’s kind of set in stone. I want to see Carl Donnelly on the Blundabus, for my money, one of the best in the business.

7) What do you hope to gain from the Edinburgh Festival this year? 

To come back with a new set and to improve as an act is the main reason but I feel like I’m on good form at the moment so it would be good if I got some work from it too.

8) What do you imagine your last ever show will be about?

Whatever is annoying me at that time, other people in the care home probably.