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An evening with Miss Polly Rae

12-15 Jan ,

Theatre

Critics' choice

If you like burlesque, then you’ll love Miss Polly Rae

First published on 1 Nov 2011. Updated on 16 Jan 2012.

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Let's start from the beginning. What was your inspiration to start doing burlesque?
Originally, I had wanted to set up an erotic cabaret troupe much like the Pussycat Dolls. But, it wasn’t until I met Jo King at a burlesque drop in class in London that I absolutely fell in love with burlesque as an art form. I developed something true to burlesque, but added my own contemporary twist - I am a pop girl at heart. We put on a show at the infamous Raymond Revue Bar, which was a huge success. The rest, as they say, is history.

You were a beauty therapist before burlesque, yes? Tell me about that!

Yes! I had always had a fascination with make-up and beauty, so when I left school, I decided to pursue it. However, once college was over, I couldn’t bear the thought of a nine-to-five job, so I decided to take my newfound skills onto a cruise ship and traveled around the Caribbean.

I heard you took classes from legendary burlesque teacher, Jo King? What kind of classes did you do?

The original course I did with Jo was four weeks in the basics of burlesque - dance, movement, striptease, character, persona props etc. Jo spent a lot of one-on-one time with me, though, and that’s what really helped with my development. She assisted me with a lot of my routines and really helped me find my character.

And you performed at one of my favourite venues, Volupte, for a time? Was that solo? What kind of shows were you doing?

I have Volupte to thank for helping to launch my career! Six years ago there were very few venues dedicated to burlesque and cabaret. It was actually Jo who introduced me to Karen and Denise, the owners, who offered the girls and I a monthly residency. I still work there today and have just launched a new solo show called ‘Between The Sheets’.

How did the whole William thing come about?

I was introduced to William by Hurly Burly Show producer Walt Utz. At the time, I really needed to find someone who could take the show to the next level and Walt mentioned that he knew William. It took me about six months to get into a meeting with him, but once I had him cornered, he was so taken with the idea that he not only wanted to get involved, he wanted to direct, artistically direct and develop the show. I couldn’t believe my luck! Not only was he one of the world’s best-known concert directors, but he completely shared my vision.

How different is Hurly Burly since it's inception at the Soho Revue Bar?

The concept has remained the same, but with William and co.’s expertise, it’s bigger, better, funnier and sexier. The musical arrangements by Steve Anderson are incredible and there are a million more rhinestones.

Are you still working the burly scene in London, apart from Hurly Burly? What is the London scene like?

Yes, I still work regularly on the scene at Volupte and Madame Jojos. One of my favourite shows at the moment is Le Reve at Café De Paris on a Friday night. The talent on the bill is always incredible. The London scene is still going strong. Burlesque, cabaret, circus and variety have really started to merge now, which makes the shows really varied and exciting.

What's a typical burly week for you?

I work three or four nights a week, so I am fortunate in that I have a lot of time off. I love to spend this time gathering inspiration and creating new ideas, training and generally being a lady who does lunch.

What's a typical non-burlesque week, what kind of things does Polly Rae do on her days off?

Every week is a burlesque week! But, in my spare time I love to really chill. My favourite thing to do is curl up on the sofa and watch a movie. I love taking dance classes, bikram yoga, hanging out with friends. The usual stuff!

We met in June at The Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend in Vegas. How did you find the events? Did you meet anyone exciting?

This was my third year at The Burlesque Hall Of Fame. I love it! So much amazing talent, nostalgia and love for burlesque. I was there filming a mini documentary so I got chance to interview Dirty Martini, and chat to legends Camille 2000 and Dusty Summers.

Any favourite shows and performers in Vegas?

So many! The standard and innovation at this event is mind blowing. I loved Anna Fur Laxis, Lou Lou D’vil, Minnie Tonka and the list goes on. Then you’ve got the boys! They’re just amazing. Captain Kidd and Jett Adore, I salute you! In burlesque in general, though, Michelle L’Amour and Dirty Martini are my absolute favourites.

Are we going to see you competing in Vegas one day? And if so, would it be solo or going for Best Group?

That would be awesome. There hasn’t been a British troupe out there yet.

Have you been to Australia before? What touristy things have you got planned?

I actually spent a year in Australia about a decade ago. I cannot wait to see how much Sydney has changed. Hopefully we’ll stay for a bit longer so I can learn to surf.

What have you heard about the Australian burlesque scene?

I have been very impressed by the Australian talent that I have seen, particularly Imogen Thomas and Captain Kidd. I have heard the scene is very sexy, quite contemporary, and ‘neo’ burlesque. Hopefully the girls and I will fit right in!

What's next for Miss Polly Rae?

2012 will kick off to a great start with our shows in Sydney! Then, I’d like to take the show on tour and infect as many countries as possible with the Hurly Burly bug! We will also be developing and re-launching the Hurly Burly Show on a big scale again, and I will be working on my solo show, too. Exciting times ahead!

Words by Jac Bowie