Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Donna Brookbanks, You Do You, Babes/Snort
If you can relate to a socially awkward 30-something trying to live her best life, we’ll get on fine, says Donna Brookbank.
Comedian Q&A
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What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
For my solo show, they can expect silliness, facial expressions, totes relatable observations and being a 30-something trying to live their best life.
For Snort, you can expect more silliness and improv from some of NZ’s top comedians and featuring special guest stars from across the festival.
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Tell us what you’ve been up to since last time you were here.
Snort has been coming to MICF for the last five years and has become a bit of an improv staple in the festival.
Since last year we are continuing to sell out every Friday night at home in Auckland.
Personally, this year I have been nominated for the Billy T award for the second year in a row as part of the NZ Comedy Festival. I’ve also appeared on 7 Days, a NZ comedy panel show, and as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival and at the Sydney Comedy Store.
Spruik it! Who should see your show, and why?
My solo show mostly appeals to groups of women 20’s-40’s who love wine, going out with their friends, and cats.
They know what social awkwardness feels like and can relate to trying to fit into a too-small wetsuit.
In Snort, there is always something for everyone: groups of university kids, couples on a late night date, fans of our cast’s solo careers and our special guests.
What’s your No. 1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?
Bring your friends. Laugh out loud. Grab a drink. (That was three tips — two for free)
Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?
Demi Lardner and Tom Walker. Aaron Chen, Becky Lucas, Rhys Nicholson, Ben Russell, Carlo Ritchie, Sam Campbell and Paul Williams. All of the Snort crew with individual shows.
Nobody makes me laugh like this group of humans.
What stands out to you about Melbourne?
I cannot wait to eat my weight in ramen.
I love the vibe in Melbourne during comedy festival.
There’s always somewhere to go and eat food and drink coffee late at night and there’s always something happening. There’s such a buzz to the city, I love it.
Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?
I love old school sketch stuff like Julie Walters and Victoria Wood but also, without sounding cringey, legit all my friends and the comedians I love to see in the festival have been inspiring me for years.
Donna Brookbanks, You Do You, Babes/Snort, APRIL 9-21, ACMI — Games Room, Fed Square. BOOK TICKETS.