We sat down for an exclusive interview with Molly Keogh, founder of HOUSE23, a multi-faceted creative community built to keep the fire burning for established and emerging artists across all crafts.
Short Shorts: Comedy is an invite-only screening and networking event on Sunday 12th April at Riverside Studios for filmmakers and performers to celebrate comedic storytelling. Apply to attend here.
HOUSE23 is described as a space to “keep the fire burning” for artists. What first inspired you to create this community?
As an artist, it can feel incredibly isolating when you aren’t working. Whether you’re waiting for an email response, working your side hustle, or staring at a blank page, it’s in those quiet, frustrating gaps that we need community most. Being an artist isn’t just about being on stage; it’s the moments in between – the compromising, the patience, and the hope. HOUSE23 was born to keep that hope alive and the fire burning during the hard times. We’ve created a space to celebrate our achievements and overcome the imposter syndrome that so frequently knocks at our door. I want artists to come together, support each other’s work, and keep championing one another so that every creative feels seen.
Short Shorts: Comedy feels like more than a screening. What was your vision for bringing this kind of event together?
My vision was to launch a series that brings creatives from all stages together to share work, support one another, and learn. I wanted to create a space that actively throws the ladder back down, dismantling the hierarchy and removing the gatekeeping that often feels so impenetrable. By showcasing BAFTA-winning talent alongside emerging voices at Riverside Studios, we are breaking down walls and fostering a genuine sense of hope. This event is more than a screening; it’s a collaborative environment for networking and growth. It marks the beginning of a series of films designed to prove that the work speaks for itself, providing a platform where we can champion each other and keep the creative fire burning.
How did you approach curating the selection of films for the evening?
I had so many wonderful pieces to choose from – it was a real challenge! Comedy is deeply subjective, so my approach was to be as broad as possible with the styles I put forward. I’ve curated a lineup that balances high-calibre, BAFTA-winning projects with bold, fresh indie voices. Each film has its own unique strength, ranging from surrealist wit to sharp, observational storytelling. I wanted to showcase the incredible breadth of UK talent and prove that brilliant comedy can come from any career stage. I’m super excited to provide a platform for these creators to share their work in a room full of peers who truly appreciate the craft and the effort behind every punchline.
What do you think artists need most right now in terms of support and connection?
We are navigating a world where so many doors feel permanently closed. The industry’s gatekeepers often feel out of reach, leaving many artists feeling they aren’t ‘good enough’. Social media has further skewed this access; if you don’t have a certain follower count, you often aren’t given a look-in. We see this in theatre constantly – unless you’ve done big TV, sometimes the West End can feel inaccessible. We need to change the narrative and prove to producers that backing us isn’t a ‘risk’. We have the skills, the talent, and the craft. The work speaks for itself, and it’s time to stop choosing the predictable route. Artists need a community that champions talent over metrics and demands that merit takes centre stage.
The evening includes a live Q&A with filmmakers and performers. What kinds of conversations are you hoping to open up through that?
I’m hoping to offer an honest look at the reality of a creative career. It’s not just about the accolades; I want to dive into their journey from indie filmmakers to BAFTA winners and discuss the genuine obstacles they’ve overcome to get there. By talking to Ruth Pickett and Luke Rollason, I want to show my audience that this path is possible and within reach, but it requires resilience. I want to provide hope and guidance, encouraging people to keep making the art that fires them up. Look at these two! They’ve navigated the hurdles and come out the other side. My goal is to demystify that process and share the grit behind the success.
How do you see HOUSE23 evolving in the future?
The future of HOUSE23 is etched into its name: bringing individual voices (2) into a social community (3). It’s about community, community, community. I want to rebuild the industry landscape to help artists create sustainable careers through more screenings, workshops, wellbeing sessions, and live shows. My vision is for HOUSE23 to become a permanent home that creatives can turn to when times are tough – a place to reconnect with themselves, their peers, and their work. This is a notoriously difficult industry, and we could all use each other’s support to keep going. As we evolve, we will stay dedicated to being that vital support system, ensuring no artist has to navigate their journey in isolation.