Former wedding singer turned up-and-coming comedy star, Kayleigh Jones, shares the true story of how she fed her dad to a pelican in this heartfelt and humorous hour.
Part-confessional and part-musical-comedy, this engaging show takes the audience on a journey through Jones’ discovery that her supposed dad may not be her biological father. As her possible stepfather is a distant Australian racist, this proves to be somewhat of a relief.
As a fully-paid-up member of the ‘Owner of a Dysfunctional Parent’ Club, Jones shares stories from her family that feel true-to-life and somehow familiar, despite their eccentricity. From having her level of sexiness compared with her mother’s to a national audience, to shared dark humour around a hospital bedside. There are some areas of the story that feel a little tender still, and the audience are there with her in these emotive moments. This is one of the perils of drawing from a true story, and can be hard to bring comedy from. But I Fed My Dad to a Pelican is more than your average comedy show. Jones is a talented storyteller, and we’re wholeheartedly rooting for her.
One of the highlights of this show is the musical comedy. From the joy of being pedantic, to a knowing, joyful parody of female empowerment tunes from the noughties in a sassy number on independent men. Never straying far from the narrative, but keeping things varied enough to remain interesting. Her thoughts on marriage and long term relationships will hit home with many. The lyrics are clever, witty, and keep the audience wanting more.
Jones is impossibly likeable on stage. With winning anecdotes on being a young-ish woman in 2025, the irony of yoga teaching, and peppered with stories on being just a little bit mentally ill, Jones is modern-day-hero for millennial women who are just trying to find their path in life. This is a show for all the family (grown-ups only, please). The audience are of mixed genders and ages, everyone is smiling. There’s even a dog in the corner. Having this level of universal appeal is somewhat rare.
For anyone with a dysfunctional family story, musical comedy fans, and frankly, anyone with a heart and a mind. This true story, delivered by a talented storyteller, is one you won’t want to miss.
Reviewed 16 May. Runs until 17 May.
