Gabbi Bolt is obsessed with etymology in her bold and witty musical stand-up act at the 2026 Adelaide Fringe. Small Poppy combines humour with rhythm to unpack the comedian’s fears, successes, and everything in between. (Image: Leia Vlahos)
By Leia Vlahos | @leiavlahos_
Gabbi Bolt feels like she’s a Sim on a 10-year old’s family computer — placed in a pool with no ladder to escape.
She believes she is fighting all odds by trying to get lucky and make it in the arts industry.
It’s a musical stand-up performance that makes for a bright and energetic experience at the Adelaide Fringe 2026.
Gabbi Bolt’s lively energy can’t be brought down by Adelaide’s rare grey skies. (Image: Leia Vlahos)
It’s a miserable evening at Gluttony.
The weekend’s rain has turned the sky grey, only lit by neon food trucks and matched by a fitting amount of mud for a pig-themed venue.
Crammed together into a humid tent is a comedian and an audience of about 20, sharing giggles and catchy tunes.
Equipped with a piano and an accordion, Bolt delivers a hilarious performance about commie boyfriends, personality hires, and the endless need to produce content online.
To cater to those infinitely scrolling, Bolt debates the highs and lows of being big online.
In a fast-paced and catchy song, she begs the question: before the internet, when did ‘viral’ mean anything good?
Each number features complex musical production and a masterclass in comedic timing.
The show bends in many directions, drawing on bits from a variety of musical genres — including a parody that could cause a Brat summer resurgence.
The comedian establishes her stage presence with each song as she feeds off audience laughter and rhythmic head bops.
Bolt’s show pairs modern humour with a lesson in history and politics, matching clever ballads with equally powerful vocals.
Gabbi Bolt – Small Poppy seamlessly blends musical genres to fit her energetic, honest, and undeniably hilarious musical stand-up.
Gabbi Bolt – Small Poppy has finished its run at the Adelaide Fringe for 2026. Stay in touch with the comedian’s social media to discover her upcoming work!