Polly & Esther is a brilliantly funny and heartfelt exploration of rainbow capitalism, the power of friendship, and the search for validation in a world that often fails to recognize your worth. Meet Polly—short for Polyamorous—a lonely, jaded drag queen who has spent far too long trying to make it big on her own. She’s losing hope, but everything changes when two mysterious witches conjure up Esther, a magical protegee designed to stand by Polly’s side. Together, they form an unlikely drag duo, and Polly teaches Esther the ropes of the drag world. Through their partnership, they discover the magic—and marketability—of performing as a duo.

Their breakthrough moment comes when they’re scouted by a talent agent for Mulk, a strange, probiotic “non-yoghurt” that promotes gut health—essentially a bizarre, wellness-fueled parody of a product that ends up being exactly what you’d expect: full of empty promises. At first, it seems like a dream come true. But as the duo gets sucked into the glittering world of corporate sponsorship, they begin to question their own involvement in a system of exploitation. Are they becoming sellouts to rainbow capitalism?

While the pacing of the story drags towards the end, especially as the stakes rise, the energy and heart of the performers—especially in a small, intimate setting—are undeniable. Polly and Esther is an original, daring piece that bravely deconstructs the commercialization of drag. The script calls out the contradictions of an industry that commodifies the very things it claims to champion. One of the most biting moments occurs when the CEO of Mulk (with a chillingly cruel queerphobic tone) says, “Everyone likes to laugh at a man in a dress,” forcing the audience to question: what exactly are we laughing at? Is it the art form? The performer? Or the system that profits from them?

This tension is personified by the two leads. Polly, jaded and tired, accepts the mistreatment because, after all, at least she’s finally getting a chance to shine—no matter how much it feels like a glorified prison. Meanwhile, Esther, freshly created with no understanding of the harshness of the world, refuses to accept the crumbs of rainbow capitalism, standing up to the CEO in a pivotal moment that demands change.

At its core, Polly and Esther is a story about found family, self-acceptance, and the courage to stand up against exploitation. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, fuelling the message of true friendship, mutual respect, and never compromising on who you are, no matter what’s at stake.

While the ending may drag a bit, the journey is undeniably worth it, leaving audiences with a meaningful, emotional story of empowerment and love. It’s a celebration of those we choose to standby, and a critique of the systems that would rather use us than uplift us.

Recommended Drink: An espresso martini, for that late night wake-up call we so desperately need!

Performances of Polly & Esther have now concluded at Adelaide Fringe 2025.