RSGx Falling Leaf Comedy Gala 2026
Description
The 2026 Bendigo Bank Falling Leaf Festival is proud to present the RSGx Falling Leaf Comedy Gala! Held in our historic and beloved Montreal Community Theatre, the Falling Leaf Comedy Gala promises to be the perfect way to round out Saturday, with plenty of laughs from a wonderful lineup of comics - all presided over by the incredible, Tumut-adoptee DANE SIMPSON.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO REFUNDS WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT
Featuring:
MEL BUTTLE
Fearless, funny, and refreshingly frank, Mel Buttle is a superstar of Australian comedy who makes being hilarious look effortless. She's the genius creator behind Australia's favourite online mum character 'Lyn', an award-winning stand-up comedian, a popular television and radio presenter, and the self-declared number one fan of the Matildas.
Mel is a social media phenomenon with a heart of gold. Her beloved mum character 'Lyn' gives voice to a generation of refreshingly honest, no-frills working mums, with hilarious observations that consistently reach millions of engaged fans across social media.
Her stand-up credentials are equally impressive—she's won both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Directors Choice Award and the Sydney Fringe Festival Best Comedy Award, and was nominated for an AACTA Award for Best Stand-Up Special, cementing her status as a powerhouse on the live circuit.
On screen, Mel brings her dry observations and quick-fire humour to shows like The Project, Taskmaster Australia, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, and The Cheap Seats. She co-hosted five seasons of The Great Australian Bake Off (Foxtel) alongside her mate Claire Hooper and has co-hosted the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras broadcast twice. She also writes a monthly column for The Courier Mail's QWeekend, bringing her signature wit to the page.
Whether she's touring sold-out shows, creating viral content as Lyn, or writing for screen, Mel Buttle brings warmth, authenticity, and laugh-out-loud comedy to everything she does.
DANE SIMPSON
Dane has been a long-time supporter of all things Tumut, he's MC'd Falling Leaf Festival, Tumut River Tap Days and we think this is maybe his 4th or 5th Comedy Gala... who's counting? He also regularly brings the Riveirna Comedy Club crew to perform at Tumut River Brewing Co.
When he's not acting out his role as offical Tumut-adoptee, he has been appearing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, Channel 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention, Get Krackin, and in feature film rom-com The Merger. He also produces the monthly Riverina Comedy Club and is a programmer/ producer to the Wagga Comedy Festival every year when there isn’t a pandemic. During lockdown, Dane became host of cult-hit Servo Bingo – an interactive online show revolving around the vehicles and characters turning up at the service station opposite Thirsty Crow brewery in Wagga. Yes, it was as silly and fun as it sounds.
We are also really pleased to also bring you a lineup of awesome comedians yet again from THE RIVERINA COMEDY CLUB. These will be confirmed shortly, but are guaranteed to NOT disappoint!
Parental discretion is advised (recommended age 15+).
Come early for the festival, enjoy our full program, and stay to explore beautiful Tumut, at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, on our favourite weekend of the year.
Tickets: $35 early bird, $40 general release, or $50 at the door.
*A bar will be operating courtesy of The Montreal. Photo ID may be required to purchase alcoholic beverages.
**Program is subject to change
Companion Cards accepted - please contact organisers for more info.
Conditions of Entry:
It is a condition of entry to our event that your contact details are collected via our ticketing platform, in addition to the QR code at the venue. By entering our event, you agree to have read and agreed to the Covid-19 Public Health Orders and Restrictions in place at the time. If you are displaying any symptoms of being unwell, you may be refused entry or asked to leave. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times and parental discretion is advised (recommended age 15+). Dogs are not allowed inside the venue (companion animals exempt). The committee and its representatives reserve the right to remove anyone from the event at any time.
Also on the bill....
STEVE BRADSHAW
Quickly becoming one of Australia's fastest rising comedians, producing and performing in several sold out shows over the last 2 years at Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He's toured Australian and NZ and shared the stage with Dave Hughes, Bron Lewis, Jimeoin, Lizzy Hoo and Dane Simpson.
BIG RUSS
Big Russ has performed around New York, Melbourne and Cootamundra - with residences on the east coast and Long Bay Gaol.
SUMA IYER
Suma Iyer is a RAW Comedy National finalist and has performed at Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne comedy festivals. She's toured regionally alongside some of the biggest names in Australian comedy. She's sharp, witty and an immersive story teller.
PETER J CASEY
Peter J Casey has worked professionally in musical theatre and cabaret for more than 30 years. He is an award-winning musician, writer and performer and we are keen to see what he brings to the Falling Leaf Comedy Gala! If you've seen him perform around Wagga you'll know he's a consumate professional with a sharp and dangerous wit. Famous for his Wagga Bunnings Roundabout song!
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
