Kiri Pritchard-McLean talks about Peacock

Written by: Kat Mokrynski
Published: Monday 2nd December 2024

Kiri Pritchard-McLean, the award-winning comedian, is currently touring her newest show, Peacock - her biggest stand-up tour to date! The show delves into Pritchard-McLean's journey as a foster carer and includes topics like "social workers, first aid training and what not to do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube".

Recently, we had the chance to speak with her about what her creative process is like for a show, steps aspiring comedians should take and what it is like to be making history at Theatr Bryn Terfel.

How did you first get started in the world of comedy?

I was born a show-off and, thanks to the heady cocktail of being the youngest child and the only girl, I had the arrogance to try and turn that natural attribute into a career.

Can you tell us a bit about your current show, Peacock?

Yes! It's a story of what it's like to try and build a family when you're not sure if you want to have a family or be a mum. There's lots of jokes in it, too.

What has your creative process been like for this show?

I usually go through the same process with all of them; lots of writing (on stage), lots of editing, lots of improvising and then two solid months where I feel like the show will never be ready and I've killed my career by even trying to do a show this ambitious!

What has it been like bringing Peacock on tour over the UK and Ireland? Did you have any favourite stops on tour?

It's been amazing! This tour is a huge one for me with just shy of 100 dates and I've been so galvanised by the turnout and the reception. I had a feeling this was a very special show and audiences are connecting with it in such a beautiful way.

There are cities I love to gig in and that always give me a superb show - Cardiff, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow - but on this tour, I also had a belting time in London, which is a city I've always been a bit intimidated by when it comes to touring. Never again, they were an amazing audience!

What is it like to be the first performer at the Theatr Bryn Terfel to be playing their largest space on two consecutive nights?

It means a lot to me. Pontio is the only proper theatre in my area and the Theatr Bryn Terfel is the biggest room in it. It's nearly 500 seats, so to do that as a local girl is really special!

I am blown away that I get to have this little slice of history and play two nights. There's so much talent in North Wales - I'm sure I won't be the last local comedian to do it either, which makes me giddy for the future.

What is it like performing on stage versus on a podcast or on television?

I think they're totally separate but overlapping skills. When you're doing a gig live, it's all about the dialogue - spoken or otherwise - with the audience, but a podcast is far more intimate. You need to tap into the fact people are having a one-on-one experience with you largely. Tele is a mix between the two, but someone has done your hair and make-up nicely!

As you have started a comedy school, do you have any advice for those looking to get into comedy?

Join my comedy school! If you can't do that, go and see loads of comedy. If you would feel safer doing a course do that, but watch out - there's some absolute cowboys running them. Then, once you start, gig lots and write lots. You'll know after the first ten gigs if you're obsessed or not!

What do you hope audiences take away from your show?

A deep appreciation for how hot it is to perform in shoulder-to-toe sequins and a realisation of how frequently I have to hand wash my costume!

How would you describe Peacock in one word?

Culminating.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Peacock is on tour until 8th December. kiripritchardmclean.co.uk