The British comedy icon will represent the festival overseas and give the world premiere of his new show in Adelaide.

Camp comedy legend Julian Clary has been named as the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival’s ambassador. Known for his outrageous outfits and his bone dry effete sass, the British comic was a bright young thing on the UK’s stand-up circuit in the 1980s before earning national and international stardom in the 1990s through his television and film appearances, including roles in the popular Carry On Film franchise and as a game show host. He has since authored three novels, an autobiography and a children’s book, and has made numerous stage appearances, including as the Emcee in Rufus Norris’ award-winning production of Cabaret.

Having performed his one-man shows on several Australian tours, when Adelaide Fringe Director Heather Croall invited Clary to become the Fringe Ambassador, whose role it is to promote the festival both Down Under and overseas, he immediately accepted. “Australians have such a brilliant sense of humour,” Clary shares. “Adelaide audiences especially appreciate comedy and Adelaide Fringe has a fantastic reputation, so it’s an honour to be offered the opportunity to further boost it internationally.”

Clary joins an impressive roster of previous Fringe Ambassadors including Paul McDermott, Katie Noonan and Kitty Flanagan. 2015’s Festival saw more than 2 million people attend; a 22% increase on the previous year. Hopes are that with a heavy-weight Ambassador such as Clary on board 2016 will set new records for attendance.

In addition to his role as Ambassador for the Festival, Clary will also give the world premiere season of his new show, The Joy of Mincing, during the month-long festival, which opens on the 12 February until the 14 March 2016.

Tickets for the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival are on sale now.