Polly Filla

Polly Filla, whose birth name is Colin McLean, was born in August 1978 in Wellington Hospital, New Zealand. McLean spent his early childhood in Raumati South before moving to Petone, Lower Hutt. He attended Petone College but left before graduation. He then worked at a law firm in Wellington for two and a half years, during which time he began to develop his drag persona, Pollyfilla. McLean started designing and sewing his own costumes for performances, a practice he pursued due to its cost-effectiveness. This creative pursuit led him to enroll in a Fashion Diploma course at Wellington Polytechnic, which he later left to attend the Bowerman School of Design, a private training establishment where he could integrate his costume-making for Pollyfilla into his coursework. After completing his studies at Bowerman, McLean transitioned into a freelance career as a designer and performer, indicating a clear vocational shift towards the entertainment industry.

Pollyfilla became a recognized figure within Wellington’s LGBTQ+ community and eventually throughout New Zealand. She regularly performed at various social and community events, participated in LGBT rights rallies, and was a consistent entertainer at POUND Nightclub and Bar in Wellington. Her career highlights include hosting or performing for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Civic Square, Wellington. In June 2004, Pollyfilla and Colin McLean were featured in a production at the Out Takes 2004 Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, which combined documentary footage with live performance, showcasing her dual identity. McLean, as Pollyfilla, has been acknowledged for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and Wellington’s cultural landscape. Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast described Pollyfilla as a “Wellington icon” in 2005. She served as the mistress of ceremonies for the annual Wellington Gay and Lesbian Fair and frequently hosted the Miss Drag Wellington: Queen of Queens pageant.

In late 2006, McLean relocated from Wellington to Melbourne, Australia, marking a significant career progression. In Melbourne, Pollyfilla secured a starring role in “New Sensation,” a prominent drag troupe. Following its disbandment, she took on a starring role in the Xchange Hotel’s “Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert” production. Pollyfilla then assumed the “Diva” role at The Commercial Hotel in Yarraville, organizing gay-themed nights and themed production shows. Her one-woman show “Pollywood” was brought to Melbourne at Chapel Off Chapel. In January 2018, Pollyfilla was inducted into the Melbourne Drag Awards Hall of Fame, recognizing her long-standing work and influence in the drag community. As a theatrical costume designer, McLean has designed for shows such as “Hone Koukas—Home Fires,” “Awhi Tapu,” and “Strata” (Taki Rua Productions), “Gravity,” and “The Expert.” He has appeared in drag on television shows including “The Strip” and “Good Morning,” and in films such as “Stickmen” and “The Irrefutable Truth About Demons.” His design work and performances have been exhibited at institutions like the Museum of New Zealand and The Dowse Art Museum.