Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala

The Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala kicks off at the Civic Theatre on Thursday 6 August, and it's billed as the opening of the city's biggest month of comedy. The Gala is the big launch that sets the tone for the rest of the festival, so if you're planning on spending the next few weeks catching various shows across town, this is where it all starts.

What makes the Gala work is the mix on one stage. It brings together international stars, homegrown legends, and the next-big-things in comedy, all in a single night. It's a bit like a sampler platter for the whole festival: you get the big names flying in from overseas, the local favourites who've built their following here, and the newer acts who are just starting to make a name for themselves. If you're not sure which individual shows to book throughout the month, this is a good way to see a few different styles in one go.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind before you grab your tickets. The show is strictly for ages 15 and over, and no babes in arms are admitted, so it's a night for adults rather than a family outing. It also contains coarse language, which is pretty standard for a comedy gala, but worth knowing if you're bringing someone who might prefer things a bit cleaner.

Tickets start at A$35, with the higher seats ranging from A$55 to A$89, so you can pick your spot depending on what you want to spend. The Gala is at the Civic Theatre on Hunter Street, and it runs on 6 August and 13 August, so you've got two dates to choose from if you're planning your comedy month around it.