When she was still in Bathurst, Gabbi Bolt was building a reputation as a reputable singer-songwriter, with her soulful R&B/funk grooves producing a debut EP, a female empowerment anthem and countless live gigs across the region.
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But then 2020 happened, and on the back of her meteoric growth as a satirical media identity via the content production platform TikTok, Bolt, now based in Sydney, has spent 2021 transitioning towards a career in comedy.
Bolt's debut comedy show, I Hope My Keyboard Doesn't Break, will premiere at Marrickville's Factory Theatre on Thursday for a three-show run as part of Sydney Fringe Comedy's 'Laugh Outta Lockdown' program.
Nervously excited, Bolt said the show has been several months in the making, after its original September date, as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival, fell victim to NSW's lockdown period.
"It's definitely scary, because I've never done anything like this before, but I'm very excited; it feels right," she said.
"I've never gone looking for songs to write, they generally find me, and many of the songs feature ideas I've held onto for sometime, as I didn't feel as confident turning them into songs prior to pursuing a comedy career."
Since moving to Sydney, Bolt has been working as a content producer for The Chaser, the satirical media company best known for its former print publication and TV programs such as The Chaser's War on Everything, Chaser Non-stop News Network and various The Chaser Decides specials during federal elections.
In addition, Bolt is a regular contributor to A Rational Fear, a podcast hosted by Australian presenter Dan Ilic providing an outlet for aspiring and established comedians to satirically present news and current affairs.
Bolt said her involvement with both ventures has played an invaluable role to her development as a comedian.
"The Chaser role has taught me to be brave, daring and confident with everything I say, and Dan especially has been a huge mentor throughout this entire process," she said.
But Bolt said her formative years in Bathurst as a musician and music teacher were pivotal in setting her up for a career based around live performance.
"I've written a song about Bathurst for this show as, while it'll be comedic, it's important to acknowledge the community that shaped your personality," she said.
"I still rely heavily on the lessons I learned from the people I met in the Bathurst arts community, I wouldn't be here without their wise advice."
Bolt is set to take her show to Adelaide and Melbourne in 2022. For more information, visit her Facebook page.
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