The new co-Artistic Directors, who are taking over the role from Barry Humphries, will curate 2016 and 2017’s festivals.

Under the lights of a packed Backstage Club, Barry Humphries revealed what everyone had been waiting for: who was going to be given the challenge of stepping into his shoes, taking the Adelaide Cabaret Festival into its 16th year and beyond.

“I always thought it would be hard for someone to do it,” he chortled, “but now I know who it is, I couldn’t be happier. Mr Eddie Perfect and Miss Ali McGregor, together, will make a wonderful team and I wish them all the very best.”

The moment had been preceded by two fantastic performances from Eddie and Ali and was followed by an entertaining duet between the two which included local references and several Adelaide in jokes. The crowd loved it and, despite no rehearsal, it was greeted with rapturous applause. Already there was evidence of clear chemistry between the two and a great partnership.

Barry Humphries with Ali McGregor and Eddie Perfect (photo: Claude Raschella)

Both AIi and Eddie are young, established artists at the top...