This collage of images includes some of the biggest names in Australian comedy, who came together for the Gala for Gilbert event at The Palais Theatre in Melbourne, in support of Russel Gilbert who had suffered a series of personal and medical issues. Our Managing Director Leah Gallin donated the Epiphone Guitar pictured for the artists to sign and give to Russel to donate to the charity of his choice. Russel had also recently shot a segment for a Channel 9 show at The SoundLab, where he signed an Epiphone for us to donate to the OxJam charity.

Russell Gilbert is an Australian comedian and actor from Footscray, Victoria, best known for his radio and television appearances, on programs such as The Comedy Company, Hey Hey It’s Saturday and Thank God You’re Here, he is also a live stage and film actor.

Gilbert has appeared in several Australian TV comedies, first attracting notice as ‘Russ the Postie’ on ATV-10’s The Comedy Company (1988–89). This role led him to a nine-year stint on GTV-9’s Hey Hey It’s Saturday (1990–1999). Gilbert also played Kev the tow-truck driver in the sitcom Bingles (1992). In the late 1990s he began starring in his own shows made at GTV-9, all of which were short-lived: even though they all rated well. The Russell Gilbert Show (1998), a sketch comedy show; Russell Gilbert Live (2000), a Saturday-evening variety show featuring celebrity interviews, and live and sketch comedy; and Russell Gilbert Was Here! (2001), another sketch series. He also hosted dog game show Bark-Off (2003) with Livinia Nixon. In 2004, he ventured into radio, as host of Weekend Leave Pass on SEN 1116 with Mark Fine. Most recently, Russell made guest appearances on the cult Channel 31 Melbourne sketch comedy show The Shambles and the comedy program Thank God You’re Here (2006).

In 1995 and 1996 Gilbert was nominated for a Logie for the Most Popular Comedy Personality for his work on Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

He worked for HSV-7 hosting Great Comedy Classics, a compilation of popular British sitcoms, including Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em and Are You Being Served?. In May 2007 Russell appeared as one of the celebrity performers on the celebrity reality singing competition It Takes Two.

Russell has acted in four Australian films: Nirvana Street Murder (1990), Ned Kelly (2003), playing Constable Hall, The Extra (2005) and Housos vs. Authority (2012). He also appeared unbilled in the Jason Donovan telemovie Loot (2004).

We don’t have enough room to post about the all the other comedians pictured! Look them up! Such amazing Australian comedy talent.