Thomas Davy - BA History

Seagulls are never that nice

Growing up by the seaside, I’ve had a turbulent relationship with seagulls. From
thieving chips and ice-cream, to disgusting defecation disasters, the birds have
forever caused me torment. In this presentation, which contains comedic elements, I
will discuss my personal experience with the bird and delve into the rich history of
seagulls in popular culture. I will examine local news headlines, the portrayal of
seagulls in literature, film and television and read interviews with residents of seagull
populated areas. I will also look at government legislation that aims to protect the
gulls, in addition to punishing those who feed them. Finally, I ponder the question
‘Where is the safest place in the country to hide from seagulls?’- the answer may
surprise you. Audience interaction will also be a feature, as I identify common
experiences among the crowd. The aim of my presentation is to surprise, educate and
be different. I therefore believe this would make a perfect fit for the research
festival. The talk combines real research with comedic timing and anecdotal humour.
The research festival will be a unique experience to showcase my development as a
researcher and performer, although the lines between the two may be blurred.