Snort Photo: Supplied
Donna Brookbanks Photo: Supplied
It’s the end of an era. A Snort era. What was supposed to be one month, became one decade. The weekly improv comedy show in Tāmaki Makaurau which quickly became a cult hit and drew in the crowds to The Basement every Friday night, has come to an end.
Every week, Culture 101, invites a guest to share their love of culture and shout out to other artists and projects. This week, it’s Snort co-founder, comedian, 2019 Billy T Award nominee, and actor, Donna Brookbanks.
Brookbanks was initially inspired by a workshop at The Court Theater in Christchurch, joining forces with fellow comedians Eli Matthewson and Eddie Dever to create a similar-style show in Auckland. Taking the Asssscat format from the Upright Citizens Brigade in the US, an improv comedy sketch group, every week at Snort, a rotating cast of more than 30 actors and comedians would put their monologue and improvisation skills to the test in a jam-packed hour-long hilarious show.
Over the past decade, Snort has been a platform for some of Aotearoa’s leading comedians including Rose Matafeo, Chris Parker, Brynley Stent, Laura Daniel, Eli Matthewson and Thomas Sainsbury.
Donna Brookbanks spoke to Culture 101 about the emotional final show, what she’s been watching and what’s on the cards for her next.
