Introducing our 2025 Gala and Opening Night Hosts

There's only two months left until we kick off the Festival with two of the biggest comedy events around, and we are so excited to announce this years hosts. Staple of the Australian comedy scene, Taskmaster favourite, and everyone's TikTok Mum, Mel Buttle, will host The Gala, proudly supporting Oxfam Australia. The following week, the multi-talented comedian, actor, and presenter Michael Hing steps up to host the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow.

Each year, The Gala brings together a stellar cast of the brightest stars from across Australia and the world, bringing the comedy to St Kilda's iconic Palais Theatre, in support of Oxfam's mission to eliminate poverty and tackle global inequality. Mel Buttle will be this year's host for the evening, and said this of the announcement:

“Hold a galah? Sure I said! After my agent explained I was invited to host The Gala, I was even more excited. I've been watching The Gala on tele since Paul Keating was calling people lettuces. I'm so excited to host this mega show featuring some of the best comedians in the country, the history, prestige and sheer scale of this gig isn't lost on me, I also really hope that I find something nice to wear.”

What better way to kick of almost four weeks of constant comedy, than with a jam-packed night of laughs from a line-up of comedy superstars at the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow? In 2025, Michael Hing is taking the reins as host, and said this of the announcement:

“When I was growing up, I'd watch The Gala every year, dreaming against all odds that I could one day be a stand up comedian and so it's truly an honour to be asked to host the 2025 Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow. Having said that, please no one tell my parents, they think I've gone back to uni to study accounting.”

The Gala is sold out, but limited tickets still remain for the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow. Both shows 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 26 March. Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow airs on ABC TV & ABC iview on Wednesday 2 April. Both specials will remain available to stream on ABC iview.