Brisbaret

Sophie Banister is a writer, performer and producer based in Brisbane. In recent times, Sophie is known for her comedy cabarets she has performed throughout Australia in festivals such as Queensland Cabaret Festival, Adelaide and Melbourne Fringe Festival and Brisbane Comedy Festival. In 2024 she tours her lates one-woman comedy cabaret, Swoon and continues to produce and host local variety show and ‘Brisbane institution’, Brisbaret. Other recent performance credits include ‘Women in Voice’ (toured Cairns, Bundaberg and Brisbane), ’All Day Breakfast’ (Adelaide Fringe and Brisbane Comedy Festival), ‘Everyday Requiem’ (Australasian Dance Collective), and ‘Our Carnal Hearts’ (Brisbane Festival).

In 2018, Sophie was awarded the Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowship where she undertook training as a comedy writer and performer at Upright Citizens Brigade as well as a mentorship in musical theatre writing in New York City. Since, she has worked with multiple production companies across Australia establishing herself as a unique and uplifting voice to watch in the musical comedy scene.

Beyond creating her own work, Sophie performs around Australia as a choral member of the Australian Voices and works as a music and drama workshop facilitator, particularly in the disability sector. She is passionate about festivals and their impact on community and connection. Sophie’s work is often heavily inspired by local stories and pop culture, and influenced by her passion for heightened theatre, absurdism, music and comedy.