Search by Artist, Location or Festival

Mel Buttle & Michael Hing announced as MICF Gala Hosts!

A huge day for comedy news! Melbourne Comedy Festival have just announced Mel Buttle will be hosting The Gala, proudly supporting Oxfam, and Michael Hing will host the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow!

Mel Buttle said: “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 to nice wear.”

Michael Hing said: “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.”

Both shows are sold-out but will be recorded live at the Palais Theatre for later screening. The Gala airs on ABC TV & ABC iview on Wednesday 26 March, and the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow airs on ABC TV & ABC iview on Wednesday 2 April. Watch them host the Galas and then book in to see their live shows!

Michael Hing looks slightly up, into the camera lens through his black framed, round glasses. His short black hair is parted on his left. He has a neutral expression and his head slightly tilted to his right. He wears a lilac t-shirt underneath a two-toned green zip-up jacket with large pictures of flowers and coral all over it. The background is burnt orange.
MICHAEL HING
Get In The Submarine

Comedy Republic
27 Mar – 20 Apr

“Endlessly funny.” ★★★★½ The Sydney Morning Herald 

Mel Buttle has long brown wavy hair, which falls below her shoulders and red lipstick. She has a playful, bright smile as she looks to her left, her body turned a little to her right. She wears a mid-green cotton shirt. The background is chocolate brown.
Mel Buttle
Taking My Sunglasses Off To Hear You Better*

Arts Centre Melbourne
Sat 2 Aug

“Buttle’s dry critique of the perils of life has the audience in hysterics.” ★★★★ The Age
*Not part of Melbourne Comedy Festival

More news

Image is a collage of live pictures. There is a blue filter on the images. 2025 Moosehead Benefit On Sale Now!
Image is of Tommy Little raising his eyebrow with his left hand. He has a tattoo sleeve. Image is black and white. Tommy Little’s new stand up comedy tour is on sale now!
Dave Thornton stands against a neutral gray background. He has short brown hair, a well-groomed beard, and a relaxed posture. He is wearing a light blue denim jacket over a white t-shirt. His left arm is crossed over his chest, while his right hand is extended outward in a gesturing motion. Dave Thornton’s smash-hit stand up comedy tour is on sale now!