Aunty Donna: The Story of Pud

'Pud' remains a cultural icon long after its inception and has become a staple of Australiana. Some would argue that depth of 'Pud' doesn't warrant a retrospective like this, but that becomes a reductive interpretation of what would become Australia's most revered, evocative festive joke, and this short video becomes one of 2024's most important releases.

This insightful documentary explores not only the creation of the sketch that became so engrained in the public lexicon for years after, but also the shockwaves it made online and in the greater world around Pud. Matt Preston of Masterchef fame provides such a balanced commentary around food and its significance as not only sustenance, but as art, in both the creation of food and celebration.

Aunty Donna tell a resounding tale, filled with passion and honesty. A truly sobering truth about the reality of comedy and the sky-high ceiling that a joke can truly achieve. The trio really accentuate their unique characteristics and perspectives throughout this short piece, further demonstrating their strengthening relationships and matured views on their media and its impacts. The boys tackle the topic with a great deal of nuance, encompassing the wide array of controversy that have been at odds with Aunty Donna and the greater community around 'Pud'.

I have unfortunately deducted a star for not mentioning 'Always Room for Panettone (circa 1930)', the Italian comedy short film that would then inspire Aunty Donna's modernised vision. Whilst they have clarified this in a media statement, to explore the cultural significance of Pud without acknowledging your inspirations diminishes the importance of what Pud means to the audience.

This was such an insightful look into the inner workings of one of the most culturally impactful skits of the 18th century. How the three of them connected and came together to really understand what, not just Australia, but the whole world needed in a time of ultimate uncertainty is remarkable. The inspiration these boys have given me to continue in their footsteps can't be overstated. However, with the return of panettone, the whole thing tastes a bit like sour milking milk. Despite their best efforts to distract, we still noticed the milking of panettone and quite honestly the apology given was not even close to substantial. Consider me disappointed.

I can't remember a time in my life without pud, so this was a beautiful way to look back at pud and just appreciate it as a masterpiece. I don't think I've ever cried more at a the end of a documentary more than this one.

Pud saved my life. I was a down and out, lonely boy with nothing to live for, but then pud came and found me, and my life now feels complete. Every time I go to the doctor and he tries to prescribe me medication, I always refuse, telling him pud will fix the problems.

Seeing Mark, Zach and Broden hugging outside the old studio was heartwarming to say the least. I'm just so glad they can come together all these years later and look back fondly on the pud that made them.

Never take pud for granted. I always have it with my morning brown and my meatball sub from subway (where their spokesperson Jared Fogle had terabytes of child videos in his collection).

Thank you pudboys, bounce that pud.

The humour of "Pud" continues to resonate, with me with the joy and laughter that it brings at this time of year. Zach's ability to maintain composure during interviews and the raw emotion displayed throughout the documentary are a master class. It also goes on not to over-milk the sketch over time, which maintains it's uniqueness.

I can't express more my deep love and reverence for "Pud," some family traditions, it's a comedic masterpiece, a cultural phenomenon. I find it to be a beloved and often emotional part of Australian comedy, and how it has shaped this period of christmas in my life. In fact I barred up when saw that Tony Martin was to the intro - good stuff.