MICF2025: Best of the Edinburgh Film Fest Review
Summary: A clever, well-balanced comedy sampler that delivered laughs across the board.
3.5
Delivered laughs!
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival tends to conjure certain expectations—namely, an evening of sharp comedy that leaves your cheeks hurting. This year’s Best of the Edinburgh Fest aimed to deliver just that, though with a measured blend of styles rather than a full-throttle comedic assault.
Mark Simmons offered up fast-paced one-liners with ease. His performance leaned into classic pun- based humour with the occasional self-aware smirk. Simmons clearly enjoys his own material, and the audience was happy to join in. His self-deprecating jokes, some seemingly pulled from deep in his repertoire, landed well with the crowd. Moments of light audience participation kept things fresh without ever feeling forced.
Harry Stachini brought a more conversational tone to the night. His humour—grounded in everyday observations about relationships and family—was warm, accessible, and at times sharply pointed. A standout segment about nativity scenes provided one of the evening’s more unexpected laughs, and his mix of international and local references helped connect with a broad audience. Relatable without being too familiar, Stachini’s style worked well in contrast to the other acts.
Andy Askins performed a slower, more unpredictable set. His understated delivery, paired with guitar-based comedy, leaned into an awkwardness that often felt deliberate. The songs—whimsical and often circling dubious subject matter—added a distinct texture to the lineup. While not every moment landed with full impact, Askins’ off-beat style and originality stood out.
Final Thoughts?
The 2025 edition of Best of the Edinburgh Fest didn’t aim to overwhelm with energy but instead offered a well-paced, varied evening of comedy. Each act brought a distinct voice, and while the tone shifted from punchy to laid-back, the overall result was a solid showing that met expectations without trying too hard to exceed them.
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