Tickets to Newcastle Comedy Festival's annual Gala sold out so quickly that a second event has been added, and it's being hosted by a homegrown comedy superstar.
Rhys Nicholson will host the second Gala at Newcastle's Civic Theatre on July 25.
The sold-out July 18 Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala (featuring Wil Anderson, Tom Cashman, Chris Ryan and Luke McGregor) was one of the fastest-selling events in the festival's history.
"We were absolutely blown away by the response to this year's festival. Selling out our biggest comedy event months in advance showed us there was a huge appetite for live comedy in Newcastle," festival director Andrew Milos said.
"Bringing Rhys Nicholson home to host a second Gala, alongside another incredible line-up of comedians, is a fantastic outcome for audiences and a huge moment for the festival.
"This is without doubt the strongest program we've ever presented."
With more than 30 performances scheduled throughout July, the festival transforms Newcastle into a comedy destination for five weeks, strengthening its reputation as a destination for live comedy in Australia.
Building on the momentum of 2025, this year's festival is poised to be the largest in its history, Milos said.
Audience numbers continue to grow, the program has been expanded, and performances will now take place across multiple venues including the Civic Playhouse, Newcastle Conservatorium, Newcastle Comedy Club, GrainFed Brewery, Earp Distillery, The Oak and Souths Merewether.
Rhys Nicholson (host)
One of Australia's most celebrated comedians, writers and broadcasters, Nicholson has become a household name through appearances on stage and screen across Australia and internationally. Recent years have seen Nicholson take their critically acclaimed shows around the world, performing at the renowned invite-only Just For Laughs Montreal, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London's Leicester Square Theatre, Soho Playhouse New York, Just For Laughs Toronto and theatres throughout the US and the UK.
Fresh from his hit show Jokes About The Time I Went To Prison, Hamilton delivers raw, hilarious storytelling drawn from real-life chaos, earning critical acclaim across Australia.
One of Australia's most in-demand live performers, Lizzy Hoo has appeared on Network 10's Have You Been Paying Attention? and The Cheap Seats, ABC's Question Everything and The Weekly, Channel Nine's The Hundred with Andy Lee and SBS's The Cook Up with Adam Liaw.
As seen on television and stages nationwide, and the creator of Breaking The Musical, Broadbridge delivers bold, energetic comedy tackling identity, relationships and modern life with sharp wit and undeniable stage presence.
One of Australia's most beloved comedians, Buttle is a regular on The Project and The Great Australian Bake Off, and known for her warm, relatable storytelling and effortless charm.
Known for absurdist, offbeat humour and razor-sharp writing, Rath has built a cult following through viral sketches, sold-out shows and his unique comedic voice.
Cult favourite and creator of Redfern Electrical, Cruckshank delivers high-energy, unpredictable stand-up, blending storytelling, characters and chaos into one unforgettable live performance.
A rising star of Australian comedy, Charlwood blends sharp punchlines with chaotic charm, earning national attention through festivals, podcasts and standout appearances across the country.
A fast-rising international comedian, Huang delivers fearless, dark and brilliantly awkward stand-up, earning global recognition through viral clips and acclaimed festival performances.
Award-winning Japanese-Australian comedian Wakasugi blends cultural observations with high-energy delivery, earning accolades at major festivals and television appearances across Australia.
Emerging Newcastle comedian Paige Hally brings sharp observations and effortless charm, quickly gaining attention on the live circuit with confident performances and fresh, relatable material.
Five-foot-nothing and armed with a guitar and microphone, Sez invites audiences into the trenches to explore the world around her. Through stand-up and songs, she has struck a chord with millions on social media and comedy crowds around Australia.
