Doug Anthony Allstars to reunite

Appearance to launch DVD

Australian comedy troupe The Doug Anthony All-Stars are to stage a reunion – almost 20 years after they disbanded.

Paul McDermott, Tim Ferguson and Richard Fidler will be appearing on stage together at the Melbourne comedy festival in April.

They will reunite to launch a DVD of their Nineties sci-fi sitcom/sketch show Daas Kapital, and promise to reveal secrets about the cult hit.

The former buskers, named after a former right-wing Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, hit the big time after storming the Edinburgh Fringe in 1987, but broke up in 1994 with a farewell tour of Australia.

Last year, Ferguson revealed the reason for the split was that he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis – although he previously kept his condition a secret as he did not want to solicit any pity.

The trio previously reunited in 2003 for a benefit concert, but always ruled out the suggestion of a comeback tour.

McDermott now hosts the topical TV quiz Good News Week while Ferguson – who briefly hosted the Australian remake of the Chris Evans game show Don't Forget Your Toothbrush – has recently returned to live performance with a show about his MS. Fidler works for ABC radio in Brisbane.

The team have been putting together a commentary for the DVD release of Daas Kapital next month, and have recorded a new song for the occasion. The series ran for 14 episodes in 1991 and 1992 and aired in 18 countries including Japan, Britain, USA and Germany.

This year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from March 27 to April 21. As well as the DAAS reunion, it boasts a solo shows from both McDermott and Fergusson – as well as appearances from 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan, Ruby Wax, Adam Hills, Arj Barker and Rich Hall.

British acts playing there include Jack Dee, Jenny Eclair, Sarah Millican, Stephen K Amos, Craig Hill, Danny Bhoy, Josie Long, Simon Munnery, Idiots of Ants, Nina Conti, Paul Foot, Ian D Montfort and Loretta Maine.