Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala

It’s the most esteemed event on the Australian comedy calendar! Each year, the red carpet rolls out, the celebrities roll up and the Channel Ten cameras roll for a night that proves how powerful laughter can be.

A cavalcade of international and Australian comedy superstars donate their best five minutes of material in exchange for the generosity of those in the audience, and those watching in TV Land. All proceeds help Oxfam fund lifechanging projects to fight poverty around the globe.

Such is the Gala’s reputation that year upon year it sells out within hours. On Wednesday 18 March, a 2800 strong army of ready-to-roar audience members will pour into the iconic Palais Theatre where host Joel Creasey will lead a line up of some of the greatest stars of local and international comedy.

While the comedy-craving crowd are having the time of their lives, they are also helping to save them - and at the bargain price of a big old laugh. Network Ten cameras will be on hand to record the show, with the event being broadcast across Australia soon after giving audiences an opportunity to contribute to the Gala Appeal. The exact air date will be announced in March along with a sneak peek at some of the names featuring in the line up.

Oxfam Australia’s twenty year old partnership with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and proceeds from the Gala Appeal help support Oxfam Australia’s work providing practical, innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive.