Review: Just For Laugh's All-Star Gala

One night, countless laughs - The All Star Gala is Just For Laughs at rapid fire and full strength.

Each year, Sydney’s Just For Laughs Festival brings comedians from every corner of the comedy world for a jam-packed, multi-day festival of laughs. A centrepiece of the festival is the star-studded All Star Gala - an event I attended for the first time this year, and one I’m certain will become a permanent fixture on my annual calendar.

This year’s event was hosted at the iconic Sydney Opera House, hosted by Australian actor, comedian, TV presenter and writer, Shaun Micallef. He shone in this role, delivering quick-fire wit and intermission banter that had the audience laughing just as hard as they did during the headline sets (if not a little harder).

Now talk about a line-up! International heavyweights like Reggie Watts, Preacher Lawson and Melanie Bracewell brought the house down. But what really delighted me was the huge showcase of homegrown talent. Wil Anderson, Joel Creasey and Celia Pacquola each delivered stand-out sets - so good, in fact, that I’d urge you to catch their solo shows while you can.

The All Star Gala is the perfect pick for anyone wanting to experience some of the world’s best comedy in a fast-paced, varied format. Sets run a punchy 20–30 minutes, each with its own energy, style and sense of humour. You’ll be fully engaged, constantly surprised and counting down the moments to whatever brilliance comes next.