AUNTY DONNA

For a bunch of zany former art-school students, Aunty Donna seems a fittingly bizarre name for a comedy troupe.

The title was inspired by their childhood judo teacher’s aunt, group member Broden Kelly explains.

“We thought if we want to be a funny group we should name it after a funny person.”

“She died during a judo lesson while we were practicing forward rolls,” adds troupe mate Mark Bonanno.

Joined by Adrian Dean and Zach Ruane, the Melbourne-based quartet will unleash their absurdist and sexually-suggestive sketch comedy during two self-titled shows at their Sydney Fringe Festival debut.

They arrive after sold-out seasons at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and as People’s Choice winners at the 2012 Melbourne Fringe Festival.

With influences like Monty Python, WWE wrestling and their high school SRC, it’s hard to say for certain just what Sydney audiences are in for.

“You’ll see a bit of Ministry of Silly Walks, interrupted by a clothesline or a choke-slam,” says Kelly.

“Followed by a monologue that encapsulates leadership,” adds Bonanno. (EJ)

Sep 27 & 28, The Factory Floor, 105 Victoria Rd, Marrickville, $22, auntydonna.com

BY EMILY JONES