Following their critically acclaimed Netflix series, Aunty Donna, are bringing their first live show to the UK and Ireland. It’s their first visit to perform on these shores in well over five years, and their first ever UK tour. Their trip will see them visit Glasgow, Dublin, Bath Birmingham, London and Manchester.
It’s been a big few years for the trio who in 2020, partnered with Netflix for the worldwide release of Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun, executive produced by The Office’s Ed Helms and Between Two Ferns’ Scott Aukerman.
The series received praise from fans across the globe – including Neil Patrick Harris and RuPaul – and was coupled with a record-breaking tour of Australia and New Zealand, selling out shows across both countries. The boys are now absolutely primed to take their new critically and audience acclaimed live show out to the world. When asked about their upcoming tour, the Aunty Donna boys said:
“When the Magical Dead Cat demanded we participate in this incredible tour of the UK and Ireland, a tour showcasing brand new hilarious comedy and some fan favourite bits from our world-shaking Netflix series, we were initially hesitant. It seemed we would provide the bulk of the entertainment whilst the Magical Dead Cat would merely bring some coughed up fur balls!’
‘We raised our concerns with the Magical Dead Cat, and it offered to sweeten the deal by ending each show with a special surprise web slinging guest whose name rhymes with Glider Man. Desperate to meet this special surprise guest, we immediately said yes.”
Aunty Donna exploded onto the Melbourne comedy scene in 2012 with their unique brand of surreal, fast paced, alternative sketch. They won the hearts of UK audiences, playing the Edinburgh Festival and Soho Theatre between 2014-2017. Since then, their loud and energetic shows have toured around the globe multiple times, won an accolade of awards and amassed a worldwide fanbase including more than 2million followers across platforms and 113 million views on YouTube.
Now, Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane will join together to deliver Aunty Donna’s wildly entertaining style of comedy for a new tour across England, Scotland and Ireland.
For the benefit of those who aren’t already well versed in the phenomena that is Aunty Donna, who are you and what are you doing here in the UK?
I am Aunty Donna, a singular entity who speaks in the first person. I am built out of three bearded Australian men with surprisingly varied hairstyles. I am funny and will make you laugh with my comedy prowess. I am in the UK to make money. If you pay me money via the medium of a ticket I will present to you funny sketches and songs. We will both leave happy.
Are you looking forward to playing in England?
Yes. Very Much so. Whether that is in a comedy theatre or in a sand pit or on a cricket pitch. Play is an essential activity that allows one the freedom experiment without fear or judgement or reprisals. To stop playing is to stop living.
Why is it called The Magical Dead Cat Tour?
I had to come up with a name for the tour and this one tickled my funny bone.
What can audiences expect?
When one joins an audience one can expect to become a homogenous reflection of the people gathered in that space. This is achieved by subconsciously and involuntarily giving and receiving energy, tears, joy, sorrow and laughter with the impetus often being a performance of some kind. If the fates align one can hope to transcend the singularity of one’s existence and feel apart of something shared, something profound.
You released a Netflix special not so long ago, tell us about it.
I made a Netflix sketch show called Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun. It is about me and the men who comprise me living in a house together. You would not believe some of the things I get up to. At one point I go out for hamburgers with Ed Helms.
Your absurdist style of comedy is pretty unique, but who would you name as your comedy heroes and/or inspiration?
My comedy heroes are Batman, Superman and the workers on the NHS. They’re not necessarily funny but they are all heroes.
If you had to direct someone to one YouTube sketch to best represent what you do, which one would it be?
Monty Python’s Parrot Sketch
Tell us why people should come to see The Magical Dead Cat Tour in no more than 3 words.
No
Aunty Donna will be performing in London on 30th September at the London Appollo. Tickets still available for the 30th Matinee!
https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/aunty-donna-eventim-apollo-17092641/