keep saying yes!
Jo Griffin is on a mission to say yes to more things. Yes to hiring child actors to get one over on “Matt Hinge” (although a non-speaking role, not at those prices), yes to model-esque lollipop ladies, and yes using Colombian business woman Griselda Blanco as a role model.
But let’s step back a second. As a millennial firmly in her 30s, Jo explains the terrors of the pregnancy announcement in WhatsApp chats, and if she wants kids, and if she does, is it too late? Buoyed by the fact the oldest woman to give birth was in her 80s, Jo is determined to make the most of her next 5 decades of child-free years, whatever they may bring, including planning her own funeral.
We slip back in time and compare how Gen Z fashion is copying elements of Millennial club wear, and the horrors that brought (e.g. excessive trilbies and too high belts), and segues into her club days today, in ex-IKEA warehouses, dancing like Samara from The Ring, and being sensitive to the plight of the hospitality industry. We cover house-buying and the umbrage that local councils can induce, as well as getting value for money at a sex party after chatting all evening. The threads are numerous, and perhaps a little reordering might have lead them to flow better, but they were charmingly delivered.
I feel it has to be mentioned that tonight’s audience were not the warmest and some attempts at engagement were met with undeserved reticence, but with credit to her, and ever the professional, Jo lightly acknowledged this and ploughed on. The unexpected hilarity of misplaced ‘bangs’ with one audience member drew one of the loudest laughs, and helped warm up some of the colder areas.
Her storytelling is detailed and evocative, bringing her anecdotes to life, so we can practically see KFC Sarah floating on a stiff wind, as well as a Kallax unit gently gliding down carpeted stairs. Extra points for a superb Kallax-related lick of a Scottish accent too. However, the highlight of the show is the gorgeous twisty-turny route in which she describes her own demise and how she’s going to arrive at the funeral parlour. Within the space of about 90 seconds, we tie up multiple story threads in a ferocious whirlwind. Jo’s natural energy and charisma lends itself so well to this style, I’d love to see her explore this more in future shows.
Overall, this is a fun and frothy hour from Jo, with some sharp insights and fabulous anecdotes.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/jo-griffin-last-chance-saloon