Some of the state’s leading politicians will put away the policy books to make their debut in this year’s Theatresports Celebrity Challenge. Every year many of South Australia’s best known public figures take to the stage in the name of charity, and this year will be no different.
Opposition frontbencher Michelle Lensink, Independent David Winderlich and Greens politician Mark Parnell will put aside their political differences to lead a strong Political team for the show, to be held at the Holden Street Theatres on Sunday November 29.

These political veterans will pit their impro wits against the voice of the nation’s youth. The ABC’s Behind The News have agreed to play for the first time and will pitch presenter Nathan Bazley and reporters Sarah Larson and Kirsty Bennett headfirst into the charity show in the Media team.

The big names don’t stop there for the Theatresports Celebrity Challenge IX. Fresh from their success in the smash hit movie “The Marriage of Figaro”, actors Tony Hill and Michael Allen will join the most outstanding player Hew Parham from last year’s show representing the state’s finest artistic talent.

Battling in their own backyard will be some of the state’s best comedians. Captain Phill Cowie will be joined in the Comedy team by Raw Comedy national finalist Adam Keily and top local comedian Jason Chong.

Last but definitely not least, the charity that benefits from the proceeds of the annual Celebrity Challenge will also have a team in the show. The Humour Foundation, which sends clown doctors into hospitals to cheer up and facilitate the recovery of sick kids, will be led by the Paris trained Michael Newbold. Among his team mates will be fellow clown doctor Alan Holy, best know as ‘that driver’ from the "I want to break free" Lotto TV commercial. And to lend a helping hand for all five teams will be the state’s finest impro players. Among them are Eugene Suleau and Anne Simmons.

From its humble but sold out beginnings in October 2002, the annual Theatresports Celebrity Challenge has become a fixture on Adelaide’s entertainment calendar. TV and radio stars, actors and comedians have all tested their impro talents in the name of charity.

What: Theatresports Celebrity Challenge VIII
Where: Holden Street Theatres, 34 Holden Street Hindmarsh
When: 7pm, Sunday November 29, 2009