Rosie Jones is bringing the playful chaos back to screens with a Christmas special of her hit show,Out of Order, before a brand new series launches in the New Year. The show, at its heart, is about daring to be funny – and Rosie is uniquely positioned to discuss where the lines lie in comedy.
The premise is simple, yet delightfully provocative: Rosie, alongside team captains Katherine Ryan and Judi Love, judge audience members based solely on first impressions. It sounds potentially risky, but Rosie insists the key is intention and a carefully curated environment.
Rosie is known for her unfiltered honesty, and that spirit permeates the show. However, she acknowledges a crucial nuance in today’s comedy landscape. While she believes “nothing is off the table,” she stresses the importance of self-reflection for comedians.
“Who are you?” she asks, articulating the questions every comedian should consider. “Are you best placed to make that joke? Who is it about? Are you punching down? Why are you saying that?” The answer, she explains, is critical.
She’s particularly firm on the dangers of performative controversy. A joke born from privilege, aimed at a marginalized group simply for shock value, isn’t just inappropriate – it’s simply not funny. True humor, she argues, requires cleverness and genuine insight.
Out of Orderthrives on playful observations and bold statements. Tasks range from guessing who’s faked the most orgasms to ranking intelligence levels, all delivered with a sharp wit and a commitment to good-natured fun. The intention, Rosie emphasizes, is never malicious.
“If the joke is directed at a person, we make sure they’re in on the joke,” she explains. The show’s core concept – judging appearances – is one the hosts themselves are intimately familiar with, constantly facing scrutiny on their looks, talent, and careers.
This shared experience fosters a positive and joyful atmosphere. Rosie, Katherine, and Judi aim to create laughter without resorting to negativity, inviting everyone to participate in the playful assessment.
Just before the Christmas rush, Rosie offered a glimpse into her whirlwind life. She’s juggling promotion for the special, wrapping up a national tour, and finalizing the fourth book in her children’s series – a testament to her relentless energy.
Despite the exhaustion, Rosie radiates enthusiasm. She’s a force of nature on screen, and that same vibrancy shines through even on a video call. But this time, she’s without her comedic partners in crime, Katherine and Judi.
Rosie reflects on the significance of being part of a female-led comedy show, acknowledging that it’s still a relative rarity. She’s quick to point out that Katherine and Judi are simply two of the most talented comedians around, regardless of gender.
The show wasn’t intentionally designed as an “all-female” project, but rather as a pursuit of the funniest possible outcome. While male comedians like Jon Richardson and Josh Widdicombe often join as guests, the women always maintain a strong presence.
This dynamic creates a liberating environment, a welcome change from situations where she’s been the sole female voice. It alleviates the pressure of being expected to represent all women, an impossible and unfair burden.
Rosie hopes for a future where representation is more equitable across all minorities. She often finds herself as the only disabled or queer person on a TV show, a position she embraces with pride but recognizes as draining. She can’t single-handedly represent entire communities.
Ultimately,Out of Orderis a celebration of laughter, honesty, and the power of shared experience. It’s a show that dares to judge, but always with a wink and a commitment to joy.
