8.6 / 10 (based on 8 reviews)
Genre: Short, Comedy
Main Cast: Broden Kelly, Zachary Ruane, Mark Samual Bonanno, Michelle Brasier
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1 season, 8 episodes
Shows Most Like Aunty Donna: The Album (2018)
Aunty Donna: Glennridge Secondary College (2019)
8.8 / 10 (based on 223 reviews)
Comedy group ‘Aunty Donna’ present a sketch show set in Glennridge Secondary College, a quintessential Australian public school.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Broden Kelly, Zachary Ruane, Mark Samual Bonanno, Michelle Brasier
Creators: Aunty Donna
Directors:
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1 season, 16 episodes
Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 6726 reviews)
In their new sketch series, Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun take viewers along for an absurdist adventure through their everyday lives.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly, Zachary Ruane, Scott Aukerman
Creators: Aunty Donna
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 20.0-minute runtime
Hug the Sun (2021)
8.4 / 10 (based on 57 reviews)
BJ, Trent, Linda and (occasionally) Trina host Australia’s favourite religious variety hour that is most certainly NOT for children. Praise Oxtos.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Xavier Michelides, Ben Russell, Zachary Ruane, Greg Larsen
Creators: Xavier Michelides, Ben Russell
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
Aunty Donna’s Ripper Aussie Summer (2017)
8.4 / 10 (based on 55 reviews)
None
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Mark Samual Bonanno, Zachary Ruane, Broden Kelly, Michelle Brasier
Creators: Aunty Donna
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1 season, 7 episodes, 5.0-minute runtime
The Wizards of Aus (2016)
7.3 / 10 (based on 598 reviews)
For centuries, war had waged across the seven planes of the Magical Realm. It’s all a little intense which is why Jack, a wizard commanding the elemental forces of nature, has decided that maybe he’ll give living in Footscray a try.
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Michael Shanks, Menik Gooneratne, Mark Samual Bonanno, Nicholas Issell
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1 season, 6 episodes, 84.0-minute runtime
Aunty Donna: 1999 (2016)
8.8 / 10 (based on 148 reviews)
A bunch of cheeky boys and gals who work at an office experience and partake in absurd situations. Featuring ManBeast, mr. Bull, Bigoted Bill, and even Mark Samual Bonanno.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Broden Kelly, Mark Samual Bonanno, Zachary Ruane, Michelle Brasier
Creators: Aunty Donna
Directors:
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1 season, 10 episodes, 5.0-minute runtime
In the world of comedy, there are few acts as distinct and boundary-pushing as Aunty Donna. This Australian comedy group, consisting of Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly, and Zachary Ruane, has been making waves both locally and internationally with their unique brand of humor. In 2018, they ventured into a new territory with the release of “Aunty Donna: The Album.” This wasn’t just a comedy album; it was an eclectic mix of music, comedy sketches, and an auditory experience that defied traditional categorization. Let’s explore what makes this album stand out, and why it’s worth your attention.
The Genesis of Aunty Donna
Before diving into the album itself, it’s essential to understand the roots of Aunty Donna. Formed in 2011, the group initially gained recognition through their YouTube channel, where they posted sketches that were absurd, surreal, and unapologetically original. Their style is a blend of physical comedy, musical numbers, and satirical takes on everyday life, which quickly garnered them a dedicated following.
Their success on YouTube led to live shows, international tours, and eventually, the creation of “Aunty Donna: The Album.” This project was a natural progression for the trio, who had always incorporated music and songs into their sketches and live performances.
What Makes the Album Unique
“Aunty Donna: The Album” is not your typical comedy album. Here’s why:
A Blend of Genres
First and foremost, the album is a genre-bending experiment. It mixes comedy with music in a way that’s seamless yet surprising. From hip-hop to electronic, and even ballads, the musical styles on the album are as varied as the comedic tones. Each track brings something new to the table, both musically and humor-wise.
A Full Narrative Experience
Unlike many comedy albums that are a collection of stand-alone jokes or sketches, “Aunty Donna: The Album” feels more like a journey. There’s a sense of progression as you move from track to track, with recurring characters, themes, and even musical motifs that call back to earlier moments in the album. This cohesiveness makes it an engaging listen from start to finish.
Production Value
The production quality of the album is top-notch. It’s clear that a significant amount of effort went into not just the writing and performance, but also the recording and mixing of the tracks. The sound design enhances the humor, with perfectly timed sound effects and musical cues that elevate the jokes.
Standout Tracks
While the entire album is worth a listen, there are a few tracks that stand out either for their humor, musicality, or both. Here are some highlights:
“Chuffed (Dad Song)”: This track is a hilarious take on the stereotypical things dads get excited about, set to an infectious beat. It’s relatable, catchy, and showcases the group’s ability to turn mundane topics into comedy gold.
“Professor Whiskers”: A story about a university professor who happens to be a cat, this track combines storytelling with humor in a way that’s absurd yet oddly compelling.
“Best Day of My Life”: This song is a rollercoaster of emotions, detailing what starts as the best day of the protagonist’s life but quickly takes a series of dark and unexpected turns.
The Impact of the Album
“Aunty Donna: The Album” did more than just entertain; it solidified Aunty Donna’s place in the comedy world as innovators. It showed that comedy could be more than just stand-up or sketches — it could be an immersive, multi-genre experience. The album also helped introduce Aunty Donna to a broader audience, reaching listeners who might not have been exposed to their YouTube channel or live performances.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
In an era where much of comedy can feel formulaic, “Aunty Donna: The Album” is a breath of fresh air. It’s a testament to the group’s creativity, versatility, and willingness to take risks. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Aunty Donna or new to their work, the album offers something for everyone: laughs, catchy tunes, and a reminder not to take life too seriously.
Here are a few reasons why you should give it a listen:
Innovation: The album is a unique blend of comedy and music, offering a listening experience that’s unlike anything else out there.
Relatability: Despite the absurdity, many of the tracks touch on relatable themes, from the mundane aspects of daily life to the complexities of human emotion.
Entertainment Value: Simply put, it’s entertaining. The tracks are well-produced, the performances are energetic, and the humor is sharp.
Final Thoughts
“Aunty Donna: The Album” is more than just a comedy album. It’s an artistic endeavor that challenges the conventions of what comedy can be. It’s a showcase of Aunty Donna’s talent, not just as comedians, but as musicians, writers, and performers. If you’re looking for something that’s out of the ordinary, that can make you laugh, think, and maybe even dance, this album is definitely worth your time.
In a landscape where it’s easy to stick to the tried and true, Aunty Donna stands out for their willingness to experiment and push boundaries. “Aunty Donna: The Album” is a testament to their creativity and a must-listen for anyone who appreciates comedy that’s a little left of center.