For a month each year, Melbourne transforms into a vibrant hub of laughter and joy, and that time has arrived for 2025. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is back, running from Wednesday, March 26, to Sunday, April 20, 2025. This year promises to be bigger than ever, featuring over 1,000 performers, including more than 130 international acts, across a staggering 690 shows.
The festival takes place on 182 stages in 133 venues, showcasing a diverse range of comedic styles. From stand-up and cabaret to sketch, circus, improv, and children's shows, there's something for everyone. Attendees can expect a mix of well-known comedians and emerging talents, making it an exciting time for comedy lovers in Melbourne and beyond.
One of the standout features of this year's festival is the Australian debut of Julio Torres, the creator and star of the acclaimed series Fantasmas, who will be performing exclusively in Melbourne. Torres joins a stellar lineup of comedians, including Mark Watson, Sara Pascoe, Danny Bhoy, Rhys Darby, Ruby Wax, Paul Foot, Nazeem Hussain, and Zoë Coombs Marr, among others.
Other notable performers include Michael Hing, Melanie Bracewell, Broden Kelly, Claire Hooper, Joel Creasy, Andrew Hansen, Lizzy Hoo, Wil Anderson, Jenny Tian, John Safran, Jimeoin, Reuben Kaye, and Ray O'Leary. Additionally, the festival features the unique performance of Sh!t-faced Shakespeare, which presents A Midsummer Night's Dream in a hilariously unconventional manner.
The festival also highlights the talents of Amy Gledhill, who recently won the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 Best Show prize, and Jin Hao Li, who was nominated for Best Newcomer at the same awards. Ahir Shah, the winner of the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Award, is also part of the lineup. Other international acts include Chloe Petts, Chris Parker, Guy Montgomery, Urzila Carlson, and Iliza Shlesinger.
On the Australian front, the festival showcases a rich array of local talent, with comedians like Alex Ward, Amy Hetherington, Becky Lucas, Luke Heggie, Tommy Little, Mary Coustas, and Dave Hughes ensuring that the homegrown humor is well represented.
In addition to stand-up and traditional performances, the festival offers a variety of themed events and unique experiences. Attendees can enjoy a David Bowie tribute, comedy whisky tasting, rooftop laughs, an improvised movie mashup, a murder-mystery show, a comedy musical about op shops, and a Jane Austen-inspired cabaret. Other highlights include RocKwiz live, a Shrek burlesque, comedy pub crawls, a true-crime comedy walking tour, and a nostalgic 90s game show.
The festival's gala, taking place at the Palais Theatre, is set to kick off the comedic festivities. The Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, The Annual Great Debate, Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, and Asian Allstars Gala are returning favorites. Upfront, which focuses on female and non-binary artists, is also back, showcasing the diversity of talent within the comedy community.
As always, the MICF is not just about the laughter; it's also a significant contributor to Melbourne's economy. Colin Brooks, the Minister for Creative Industries for the Australian state of Victoria, emphasized the festival's impact, stating, "Each year the festival brings an unmistakable buzz to our city, boosting local businesses, employing a huge team of event and creative workers, and showcasing the best comedy talent from near and far."
Festival director Susan Provan expressed her excitement for the event, stating, "The world's biggest comedy festival is here and we couldn't be happier. We're ready for surprises, brilliant takes on serious issues, and serious silliness for all who need it. Hundreds of venue staff are swinging into action to support all our Australian and visiting faves, and Melbourne's bars and cafes are ready to make sure everyone is fed and watered. It's the best time of year in our beloved city. Melbourne does fun like no other."
With such an extensive lineup and a variety of performances, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is a must-attend event for anyone looking to enjoy a good laugh. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of comedy in one of Australia's most vibrant cities.
The 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from Wednesday, March 26, to Sunday, April 20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the festival's official website.
