Actress and comedian Amy Poehler headed to Australia for major festival

US actress and comedian Amy Poehler is headed to Sydney for the first time in nearly a decade for one of Australia’s most popular events.

Amy Poehler has announced she’s heading to Australia to headline Vivid Sydney in May.

The popular US actress and comedian, 52, will join the festival’s line-up at the Sydney Opera House on May 27, where she’ll sit down with ABC radio host Zan Rowe for an intimate conversation about her Hollywood career.

During the event, the Parks and Recreation star will also give attendees a special sneak peek at Disney and Pixar’s upcoming animation Inside Out 2, in which she voices the lead character Joy for the long-awaited sequel to the celebrated 2015 film.

Amy Poehler is headed to Australia as part of Vivid Sydney.

The comedian announced the exciting news on Tuesday morning.

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in Vivid Sydney this year, a place that welcomes ‘Joy’ in every way,” Poehler said.

“I can’t wait to share a little of Inside Out 2: a movie that lets Joy and Sadness, Anxiety and Envy — all try to work together in hilarious and touching ways.”

It marks Poehler’s first trip to Australia in nine years, with Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini welcoming the Emmy award winner to the event’s growing line-up.

Poehler will treat fans to a first look at Disney and Pixar’s upcoming sequel Inside Out 2.

“Amy Poehler is comedy royalty and the perfect person to join us as part of Vivid Ideas for this year’s Vivid Sydney,” Minervini said.

“We’re so proud to add her to the growing list of guests set to captivate visitors throughout 23 nights of the festival.

“Amy’s new film Inside Out 2 ties in perfectly with the theme of this year’s festival, Humanity, with an accessible take on how the human mind makes decisions and processes emotions. Allowing audiences to have an insight to how one of the world’s great writers and performers operates is sure to be a great thrill.”

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have frequently collaborated over the years. Picture: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Poehler is one of Hollywood’s most well-known comedic performers thanks to her work on the iconic NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation and on long-running sketch show Saturday Night Live!

The Mean Girls star is also renowned for collaborating with fellow comedian Tina Fey – the pair appearing in a string of films including Baby Mama and Sisters, as well as co-hosting award shows together, including the Golden Globes four times. Vivid Sydney will be held from Friday May 24 until Saturday June 15.

Inside Out 2 is slated to hit cinemas on June 13.