Miss Polly Rae

Miss Polly Rae (born 8 July 1981) is a British singer and dancer who is one of the leading figures on the Neo-burlesque scene.

Family

Polly Jane Rae was born in Preston, Lancashire, England. She was educated at Penwortham Girls' High School. Her mother Heather Gillespie (née Rae), is a banking advisor and her father (Philip Rae) was a model maker who worked on Ridley Scott's film Alien and for Gerry Anderson's (of Thunderbirds fame) Terrahawks. She also has a stepfather (Shaun Gillespie) who is a musician along with a younger brother (Stuart), two stepbrothers (Edward and Philip) and a stepsister (Helen). Along with another member, her stepfather and stepbrothers have formed (The Beat Brothers), a (Beatles) tribute band who have performed at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Burlesque career

Polly's burlesque career began in 2006, after seeing a poster for a burlesque course run by Jo King and the London Academy of Burlesque at Danceworks studios. She attended the course and completely inspired by Jo and her teachings she decided to form her seven girl troupe Hurly Burly (including herself). They currently are: Rachel Muldoon, Jennifer White, Stephanie Jayne Thompson, Katie Ella Hardwicke, Sophie Zucchini, Joanna Woodward, Caroline Amer and Polly Rae. Taking creative inspiration from 1940s and 1950s pin-ups such as Bettie Page, Tempest Storm and Marilyn Monroe to modern artists like Madonna and revue shows such as Le Crazy Horse in Paris, their first show was held at the Soho Revue Bar (formerly the Raymond Revue Bar) in Soho on 19 April 2006. It was such a success that it led to a residency at the bar, another residency at Volupte (a burlesque supper club in the heart of the legal district) – and then a move to the Leicester Square Theatre in London's West End. This show received acclaim from several critics including The Stage and What's On Stage.