Interviews

Interview: An absurd, glitter-filled fusion of high fashion and bathroom chaos

Rosebud Comedy Festival

Georgia Polly-Taylor talks about her creation HOT MESS

As the Rosebuds Comedy Festival takes over The Bread & Roses Theatre, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible talent featured in this exciting new event. Over the next three days, ET will be publishing interviews with three of the festival’s standout performers.

We begin with Georgia Polly-Taylor, the multi-disciplinary artist behind the hilariously chaotic HOT MESS. A fusion of high fashion, absurd comedy, and bathroom panic, this show promises to bring glitter, glamour, and a healthy dose of the unexpected to the stage.

Come back tomorrow for another interview as we dig into the soil of this blossoming festival!


Welcome to ET, please tell us about yourself.

Hello! My name is Georgia Polly-Taylor. I am an actor and multi-disciplinary artist, as well as the writer and performer of HOT MESS.

The Defectors

You are part of the Rosebuds Comedy Festival, curated by The Defectors and hosted by The Bread & Roses Theatre. What do you think of the venue?

The Bread & Roses is such a brilliant venue for new work and emerging artists. I’ve wanted to perform there for a while, so when I saw that this new comedy festival was programming there, I had to go for it with HOT MESS.

What can audiences expect from the show?

Audiences can expect a glittery toilet, Louis Armstrong, and high-fashion energy. I would advise everyone to be ready and willing to get a lil *WeIrD*.

What was the inspiration behind the show?

The inspiration for HOT MESS was, honestly, the toilet. I was asked to do some comedy-burlesque/cabaret for a spoof fashion show, and HOT MESS was born. It’s a fusion of high fashion and bathroom panic: “HOT MESS: Met-Gala-meets-IBS.”

How long have you been working on HOT MESS?

I started working on this show in July 2024. Since then, it has grown from an 8-minute act of chaos to a 20-minute alt-comedy show. I’m hoping the next steps will be to develop it further into a full hour, ready to hit the fringes.

What is it about your character that you most enjoy?

I love playing HOT MESS because she is unhinged—kind of gross, but also really cute. She makes audiences feel confused and surprised. I also love how physical this performance is; it’s so fun to play with different styles of moving and grooving.

What do you hope the audience thinks after watching the show?

I hope the audience feels joy. I hope they leave kind of wired, like they want to go clubbing or raving. I don’t care if HOT MESS is understood; I just want her to bring elation and hilarity into the audience’s lives.

Who do you imagine enjoying the show the most?

Queer audiences, for sure, and anyone who loves absurd comedy and late-night cabaret.

Is this the show’s first time on stage?

This will be HOT MESS’s third outing, but it’s the first time on stage in this longer version – and my first time performing at The Bread & Roses Theatre.

Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run – for you or the show?

Yes! I’m planning more development and, fingers crossed, hoping to secure some funding to involve other artists in collaborating on the show’s future evolution.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned from participating in this show?

I’ve learned that glitter gets EVERYWHERE and that porcelain toilets are very heavy.

Describe a moment during the production process that felt magical or transformative.

Definitely performing the 8-minute version at Shambala Festival 2024 with 6 Foot Stories. The audience’s reception was incredible and inspired me to keep exploring HOT MESS.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned while preparing for this festival?

I’d say, GO FOR IT! I’m a firm believer in jumping before you’re ready and learning to swim by diving into the deep end. One of my life and art mottos is “STRONG AND WRONG.” Fringe allows you to play and learn as you go.

Creating a solid foundation for your production—script, set, costume, etc.—is essential, but no one expects high budgets at these festivals because making your own work and getting it programmed is tough. One key lesson I’ve learned is that money doesn’t equal quality. In fact, the more obstacles you face as a creator, the more creative and innovative you have to be, which results in more interesting art for both you and your audience.


HOT MESS is playing as part of a split bill with Lewis Hedges: MY MAGIC WORD IS MOTHER, on Friday 31st January at 5pm. Further information and booking are available here.

Everything Theatre

Everything Theatre is proud to support fringe theatre, not only in London but beyond. From reviews to interviews, articles and even a radio show, our work is at the heart of the industry, and we are official assessors for the Off West End OffComm awards. Founded in 2011 as a pokey blog run by two theatre enthusiasts, today we are staffed by diverse contributors - people who not only work in theatre, but also in law, medicine, marketing and even psychiatry! We are all united by our love for theatre.

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