Local writer, performer and musician Sophie Banister loves Brisbane more than just about anyone. (Except maybe the woman who sung that one jingle.) In 2018 she won the Lord Mayor’s Young Emerging Artists Fellowship, which allowed her to travel to New York to be mentored in musical theatre and comedy while training at the respected Upright Citizens Brigade.
She’s become best known for her one-woman cabaret acts about her favourite local heroes, which she refers to as “brislebrities” (a portmanteau of “Brisbane” and “celebrities”). Banister sat down with Broadsheet to talk about her show Brisbaret – a Brisbane-themed cabaret performance in its second year at the Brisbane Comedy Festival – and waxes lyrical about her absolute love for her hometown.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a musical comedian with an above average affinity for galahs, general whimsy and the Brisbane/Meanjin community. I run a hyper-local variety show called Brisbaret and am also releasing my first EP of comedy songs called In My Pits.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWIf you had to write a love letter to Brisbane, how would it go?
My dearest Brisbane,
I fear the journalist who has asked this of me does not fully comprehend the sheer volume of paragraphs and prose it would take for me to share my love for you, mangroves and all. But I shall do my best to keep it brief.
You may have seen me online boasting love affairs with other cities, but you must know it was never real – nothing but an elaborate ruse. Even if I move away, no one can compare to you.
Where else would I rather walk up and down, round and round than through the streets of your town? Where else could I find myself lounging by your beautiful brown snake, chafed, with hot chips and Boost Juice in hand, while the bin chickens attempt a “snack coup” around me? Where else would I lament the state of the housing crisis than at 2am surrounded by smoke in Ric’s backyard, having had one too many G&Ts because I had to vote for my friend’s band and the only way to vote was by ordering a drink? Such beauty.
You grow and change Brisbane, but our love deepens. You may no longer thrill me with Myer Centres and Dragon Roller Coasters, but you embrace me inside your new incredibly sexy metro line and cross river rail (thank you for reducing our carbon footprint).
I yearn for you, my Mud Army, my sweet Sky Needle, my Milton Mango,
Forever sub-tropically yours,
Sophie
Tell us a bit about your act at the Brisbane Comedy Festival?
Brisbaret (“Brisbane” and “Cabaret”) is a variety show boasting talent of the best “brislebrities” in town (like celebrities but better). The show pulls together a smorgasbord of local talent with performers from all different art forms. In-between, my co-host Thien Pham and I share our own musical comedy, games and bits, often celebrating and joking about life in this beautiful city.
What’s the funniest thing about Brisbane?
That we all collectively know ‘‘the Batman building” yet most of us have no idea what business goes on inside it. Is the resemblance to Gotham really that strong that we all unquestioningly identify it as such? Please send my regards to the architects.
Where’s your favourite spot for a late-night post-gig snack?
The one strong and constant love I can count on is Pancake Manor.
Is there an essential Brisbane song?
This is my Sophie’s Choice. How could you do this to me? Have me choose between the joy of Ball Park Music’s Nice to Be Alive? The euphoria of Untouched by the Veronicas? The nostalgia and comfort of pushing through the rusty gate of Powderfinger’s My Happiness? Shame on you! Given the whole EP made me openly weep, if I must choose it shall be The Brown Snake by Thelma Plum. The gal just gets this city.
What’s one of the city’s most underrated spots?
Roma Street Parklands. If you know me, I will have at least once inflicted my “why is every picnic in New Farm?” rant upon you. Ring Road is a mirage and it’s not easy to park there! Roma Street has beautiful gardens, fun events and is surrounded by public transport and deceptively available street parking.
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