Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala

The Newcastle Comedy Festival Gala kicks off at the Civic Theatre on Thursday 6 August, with a second show following on Thursday 13 August. It's the opening night of the city's biggest comedy month, and the Gala is built as a showcase that brings together the festival's international stars, homegrown legends, and the next-big-things all on one stage.

That's the core of it: a single bill that mixes names coming from overseas with local favourites and the newer acts the festival is pushing. It's designed as a sampler of what the rest of the month will look like, so if you're not sure which individual shows to book later on, this is the one that puts a good chunk of the festival's range in one sitting. The two dates are a week apart, so you've got a choice of when to catch it.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind before you book. The show is strictly for ages 15 and over, and no babes in arms are admitted, so it's not a night for the kids. It also contains coarse language, which is standard for a comedy gala but worth knowing if you're bringing someone who's not used to it. If you're planning to go with a group, that age limit is the main thing to check first.

Tickets start at A$35, with the higher seats ranging from A$55 up to A$89. The Civic Theatre is at 375 Hunter Street in the city centre, so it's easy enough to get to for either date. Between the two shows on 6 and 13 August, you can pick whichever fits your schedule best.