These days, Rosie Holt struggles to pack light, even for a short trip to Liverpool. She insists it’s just a brief visit, yet she carefully rolls a suitcase into a dimly lit King’s Cross coffee shop, unable to part with her phone stand and microphone. The weight of being a social media comedy sensation is evident.
Holt rose to prominence four years ago by creating remarkably realistic parodies of patronizing Tory MPs defending government blunders and smug right-wing pundits ranting about current affairs. Her specialty lies in fiercely topical satire that can quickly become outdated, requiring her to seize inspiration for her next video immediately.
During lockdown, Holt refined her craft while confined to her parents’ spare room, transforming breakfast news topics into Twitter-ready sketches by evening. Her first sketch, a cleverly crafted piece where a woman advocates for preserving slave trader statues and Nazi memorabilia, garnered half a million views in just four hours. Despite having a modest 3,000 Twitter followers at the time (now X, exceeding 300,000), the sketch’s viral success was undeniable.
The realism in Holt’s performances, characterized by her condescending smile and seemingly rational demeanor, contributed to the sketches’ virality. Editing herself into genuine TV interviews as the Tory MP character “Rosie Holt” further blurred the lines between satire and reality, portraying a comically out-of-touch politician spouting nonsensical rhetoric.
While her online presence has diminished, partly due to Twitter’s decline post-Elon Musk, Holt’s offline commitments have multiplied. With her first book, “Why We Were Right,” set for release in July—a satirical compilation of Conservative triumphs penned in character as MP Rosie Holt—she is gearing up for her largest tour yet, bringing her internet personas to life in “That’s Politainment!”.
Initially apprehensive about translating her MP character to live performances, Holt found success by infusing real-life political absurdities into her act. Her journey to success was not instantaneous but rather the culmination of 15 years of perseverance. From aspiring actor to stand-up comedian, Holt’s career trajectory was paved with challenges and moments of self-doubt, eventually leading her to the pinnacle of comedic success.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Holt remains grateful for her creative independence and the ability to embody multiple characters onstage. Through her portrayals of Rosie Holt MP, right-wing host Harriet Langley-Swindon, and a left-wing comedian striving for balance, she navigates the complex landscape of political satire with finesse and humor.
Despite the potential shift in political climate with an upcoming general election, Holt contemplates the impact on her career with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. While her satire may ruffle feathers, she acknowledges the diverse reactions from her audience, ranging from adoration to disdain, all contributing to the rich tapestry of her comedic journey.