Multi-award winning composer, comedian and actor Eddie Perfect will host this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala which proudly supports Oxfam Australia.
Such is the Gala’s reputation that year upon year it sells out within hours. On Wednesday 19 March, a 2800 strong army of ready to roar audience members will pour into the iconic Palais Theatre to enjoy Eddie leading a line up of some of the greatest stars of local and international comedy.
Network Ten cameras will be on hand to record the show in front of a live audience, with the event being broadcast across Australia soon after and 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.
Eddie Perfect on hosting the 2014 Gala said, “The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, for me, is a Melbourne institution. It’s where Melbourne is at its best; people getting out of the house, sitting in tiny venues across the city, taking a chance on something risky, immediate and raw, and laughing their arses off. I got my big break performing in the festival in 2004, and it has welcomed me like a second family.
“I’m equal parts proud, excited and terrified to be hosting the 2014 Gala supporting Oxfam, celebrating my tenth year as a comedian, and kick-starting this insane month of laughter. The Gala represents just a snapshot of what’s on offer in 2014, and I can guarantee it’ll give more than a taste of the very best of what’s funny in Australia and across the English-speaking world for a great cause.”
This Friday (7 February) also sees Australia’s well loved comedy duo and 2012 Comedy Festival Gala hosts, Sammy J and Randy travel to South Africa to visit an HIV and AIDS community care and support organisation to see first-hand projects where Oxfam is helping make a difference to communities and people’s lives.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said, “The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s support for Oxfam has helped improve the lives of thousands of disadvantaged people in communities around the world.
“Oxfam’s 19-year partnership with the Festival has seen some of the biggest names in comedy generously give their time towards supporting the fundraising Gala. With Eddie Perfect on board as the MC and Sammy J and Randy helping promote the 2014 Gala Appeal by visiting Oxfam-supported projects overseas, it’s already shaping up to be another fantastic event.”
Comedy Festival Director Susan Provan said, “Working with Oxfam has shown us that combining the loud voices of many comedians with the generosity of comedy fans can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. We value highly the opportunity!”
Oxfam Australia’s 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.
Media Contacts:
Oxfam Australia : John Lindsay Tel 03 9289 9246 or 0423 456 046 johnlindsay@oxfam.org.au
TS Publicity: Emma Costello Tel 03 9419 8837 or 0421 201 344 emma@tspublicity.com.au
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