Interview: Kayleigh Jones talks “I Fed My Dad to a Pelican”

June 2023

“I Fed my Dad to a Pelican”, as far as show names go, is sure to grab some attention. Kayleigh Jones brings this intriguing stand-up show to the Camden Fringe this year, playing at the Camden Comedy Club on 24th August. Here, Kayleigh chats about the show, the beauty of taking inspiration from real life and what she’d like to see more of on stage and screen.

So how did I Fed my Dad to a Pelican come to be?

This is a story I’ve wanted to share for a while and I have been drip-feeding elements of it into my stand-up comedy for the last year. It’s a true story that whenever I tell someone, they usually say something along the lines of ‘WTF?’ or ‘You should write a book.’ So, I thought, there’s a show in this. For me, comedy is an escape and I enjoy finding the funny in the darker and more painful life experiences, also, the waitlist for therapy is so long.

Can audiences expect light and dark or is this show intentionally all of one, none of the other?

There is definitely light and dark throughout. I find that comedy can hit harder after some tension has been built. That’s the beauty of drawing on real life.

No spoilers, obviously, but can you give us a taste of the show – a highlight you find yourself drawn to?

I don’t want to give too much away but there will be a rapping pelican.

Sounds like a pretty good draw to me! How would you describe the style of I Fed my Dad to a Pelican?

I would say it’s predominately a musical comedy show. My comedy leans towards storytelling. You can expect music, stand-up, acting, and even a bit of puppetry.

Who are you hoping will see this work and what are you hoping they’ll take away with them?

I would love to have working-class people who have had an unconventional upbringing see this, more for my own benefit, a bit of moral support from people who can nod and say ‘ah yes, my stepfather was a drug dealer too’.

This show also touches on my BPD diagnosis and deals with mental illness in a light and real way, so anyone that can relate and find comfort in the relatability. Fans of musical comedy, and people who enjoy a true story told with heaps of humour. Also, Bridget Christie, love her.

Quick-fire time then…

You are offering audiences big laughs with this show, so tell me: who makes you laugh most?

I’m a fan of satire, relatable and clever comedy, musical (of course) and sketch comedy. Comedians I like are Bridget Christie, Jessica Fostekew, Bill Bailey, Flo and Joan, Victoria Wood, French and Saunders, and Stewart Lee are my faves.

Your own tastes and influences when it comes to theatre/live work?

I’m influenced by great storytelling of any kind, be it plays, stand-up, or musical theatre. Comedians that pepper a great story with strong jokes is always something I admire.

Your route into the arts?

I was an extra in Dangerfield when I was 9. Remember Dangerfield? Bring back Dangerfield.

The one thing you’d like the power to improve in the industry?

The presence of women over the age of 35 on stage and screen. WE EXIST DAMMIT!

Hear hear! And finally, a parting shot: why should audiences come along to see I Fed my Dad to a Pelican this August?

To find out why I fed my dad to a pelican, that has to be enough of a reason.

So there you have it! You can catch Kayleigh Jones’ “I Fed my Dad to a Pelican” at the Camden Comedy Club on 24th August 2023 (9.30pm), as part of the Camden Fringe. More information and tickets can be found here.

Photography: Karla Gowlett