With only four weeks until the red carpet is rolled out for the biggest night of Australia's comedy calendar, the hosts for both The Gala and Opening Night events have been announced.
With a rapidly growing fan-base, festival favourite Lizzy Hoo will host The Gala, proudly supporting Oxfam. And just one week later and to officially open the Festival, New Zealand’s Guy Montgomery will take charge of the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow.
Lizzy Hoo said of the announcement: “When I performed at my first ever Melbourne Comedy Festival I arrived in the city and saw the flags, posters, spruikers, and thousands of people lining up for shows all over the city – I was blown away by just how big it is. I never imagined then that I would I get to host one of its biggest nights.”
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
With a huge cast of the Festival’s brightest stars taking to the stage at St Kilda’s iconic Palais Theatre – Lizzy will host the comedy extravaganza which supports Oxfam’s mission to eliminate poverty and tackle global inequality.
On Wednesday 27 March, Guy hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow – the ultimate kick-off to nearly four weeks of uninterrupted comedy.
Guy Montgomery said of the announcement: “It is a sad indictment on the state of Australian comedy when they have to ask a New Zealander to host one of their most prestigious shows. In truth, I am unbelievably flattered and excited. I hope I don’t bomb.”
Both The Gala and the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow are sold out. Limited final release tickets may be available closer to the events. Both will be recorded live at the Palais Theatre and screen later on ABC TV and ABC iview.
The Gala airs on ABC TV & ABC iview on Wednesday 27 March at 9pm. Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow airs on ABC TV & ABC iview on Wednesday 3 April at 9pm. Both specials will remain available to stream on ABC iview.
The 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from 27 March to 21 April. For all tickets and program information, visit comedyfestival.com.au.
