By Andra Jenkin

Artist: Donna Brookbanks

Date/Venue: Tuesday 21 May 2019 / Q Theatre, The Vault

Going to the comedy festival is always a good night out. There are happy people who have either spent an hour laughing, or are about to, spilling out of The Classic, The Basement and Q Theatre.  They share their experiences on the footpath while eating some rather excellent burgers made from actual real food, and while there you can stock up on Best Foods Mayo, which is being handed out outside Q. These happy, well entertained and fed people could be you, for incredibly low prices.

I’ve come to see something a bit special actually because Donna Brookbanks is a personal hero of mine. She’s not only incredibly funny; she’s also extremely lovely and has accidentally mentored a keen comedian (me) without even realising it. This is why her show Heroic not only lives up to its title but also fuels my narrative about her perfectly.

At the Q Theatre’s Vault, the animated chatter of expectant punters is loud as they wait for Brookbanks, the hero of the hour. It’s a packed house, and I introduce myself to a person next to me. Paul had a recommendation to see Donna last year and has come back for more from the second time Billy T nominee. He will not be disappointed tonight.

The introduction is theatrical, intriguing and very, very funny. With an ingenious use of voice over, Brookbanks utilises a deliberately awkward stage persona, perfect for exploring themes of anxiety, self-doubt and insecurity. It’s clear though that she knows what she’s doing--she is comfortable on the stage and belongs there. The jokes build on one another, starting with giggles and growing to guffaws, until the entire audience is erupting with the big laughs on the hard-hitting punchlines.

There are surprise jokes that leap out at you. She says she falls in love with everyone, including us, and I have to say, the feeling is mutual. We are all tickled by something different, with the audience laughing continuously, in syncopation, then she’ll hit us with a big gag we all find hilarious.

She has these delightful expressive mannerisms that endear her to the audience, coming off at once as talented and unassuming. Very kiwi and relatable. There’s a conversational tone that’s like talking with your bestie--if your bestie were as funny as Donna Brookbanks.

As with many shows in the festival, it’s not about the setting or the lighting. She’s wearing a red skirt and grey top but is not in costume. Then there’s the big finish, which proves me wrong. I’m not going to spoil it, but she proves that she is a superhero with superpowers I will never possess. The finish is outrageous, brave and hilarious and she rightfully takes her bow to riotous applause.