Tom Ballard, Chopper Announced For Homebake

After its introduction at last year's festival, the Homebake Comedy Stage returns in 2012, packed full of Australian talent announced today.

The Comedy Stage, presented by the Sydney Comedy Festival, aims to improve the growth of the local industry, with last year's crowds filling the tent throughout the day.

2012 Homebakers can expect the lols from:

Tom Ballard, Heath Franklin's Chopper, Mel Buttle, Benny Davis – The Human Jukebox, Cam Knight (MC), Daniel Townes (MC), Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Rhys Nicholson, Genevieve Fricker, Dave Williams, Nick Cody, Anthony Salame, Michael Hing, Nice Kicks - Steen Raskopoulos and Susie Youssef, Laura Hughes, with more to be announced.

Scroll down for more info on the acts:

Tom Ballard

On top of co-hosting triple j's national breakfast program, Tom Ballard has performed on Australian and international stages, most impressively the invite-only Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Heath Franklin's Chopper

The Logie-nominated performer brings his The Ronnie John's Half Hour originated comedy personality, Chopper, to the Homebake Stage. He has sold out audiences across Australia and New Zealand, starred in the feature film The Predicament (alongside Jermaine Clement), as well as appears in Randling, the new ABC comedy game show.

Mel Buttle

Since her nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2012 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Mel Buttle has achieved her own segment on triple j's Tom and Alex, a regular column in the triple j magazine, a successful podcast (with The Grates' Patience), nation-wide tours and supported Josh Thomas on tour.

These acts join the already huge music lineup, featuring Hilltop Hoods, Tim Minchin, Kimbra and international headliners (and legends) Blondie, over a range of stages and activities.

For tickets, the full lineup, news, videos and more, check out our Homebake mini-site.