Who is Gabbi Bolt?
I am a 26-year-old musical comedian. I can talk a leg off a chair, and love a good cheeseboard. I learnt piano from the age of 5, and as a teenager, my first gigs were playing in restaurants and bars around Central West NSW.
I’ve toured the country with my first two solo comedy shows; I Hope My Keyboard Doesn’t Break and Odd Sock, and I’m about to star in my first professional theatre role as Marcus; the Detective in Murder for Two at The Hayes Theatre Company.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t a comedian, I reckon I would’ve gone and done a trade. I like learning practical skills. Plus if I were a mechanic, I wouldn’t be so delusional when my car makes suspicious noises.
Who inspires you and why?
People who can remain positive and vulnerable in an often chaotic and more uncertain world. Those people who strive to put a smile on everyone’s face or do what they can to make someone feel welcome. Those kinds of people are who I strive to surround myself with, in the hope they rub off on me. It’s hard work to be happy.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I thought about going into politics with this question, but that was taking me hours and no one wants to read my 15 paragraphs about the various changes I would make in a weird GABBI BOLT dystopic scenario. So I guess if I could enact three rules they’d be as follows:
- Every party has Karaoke (but only silly karaoke, not serious karaoke)
- Every Friday workday ends at 2.00pm
- Everyone would show a little more compassion for other people
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Well I haven’t been many places, but I went to Edinburgh last year and it was just MAGICAL, I mean truly like walking into a fantasy storybook. The weather was drizzly, the flowers were in bloom, and I was LIVING for the rainy wintery aesthetic. I love being cold.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would DEFINITELY take them to the Hayes Theatre (wink) if they come down in August (wink wink) to go and see a show called Murder for Two (wink wink wink) which I hear is VERY good and VERY funny. And that’s my COMPLETELY UNBIASED opinion of course!
What are you currently reading?
I just finished I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy and it was a phenomenal read.
What are you currently listening to?
Big Thief, Shaun Martin, Joni Mitchell, Allen Stone, Lianne La Havas and Ray Charles are on rotation at the moment.
Happiness is?
A hot choccy on a cold rainy afternoon.
What does the future hold for you?
I have no idea but I sure hope it’s more of this, it’s been an absolute privilege to work with such a wonderful team on such an amazing show. And maybe at some point I’ll write my next solo show. But right now I’m just trying to enjoy being a LEAD in a MUSICAL, who KNOWS when that’s going to happen again?
Gabbi stars in the musical comedy Murder for Two – which is currently playing at the Hayes Theatre until 3 September 2023. For more information, visit: www.hayestheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Gabbi Bolt (supplied)