THE 2025 MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL KICKS OFF THIS WEEK
Four weeks of uninterrupted comedy brilliance begins as the 39th Melbourne International Comedy Festival gets underway this week.
This year, 690 shows, made up of more than 1,000 performers will take part in the biggest dedicated comedy festival in the world. Across 182 stages in 133 venues, stand-up comics, cabaret, sketch, circus, improv, plays and more will entertain everyone from toddlers all the way through to really old people too!
From 26 March – 20 April, comedians from around Australia will call Melbourne their temporary home to make audiences laugh, connect, feel and contemplate. Over 130 international artists will join the Australians – from the best newcomers on the international circuit to the most in-demand award winners.
With tickets starting as cheap as $10, and an average ticket price across the Festival of around $35, the comedy festival is a great – and affordable – night of entertainment. There are ways to get a bargain at the Festival too – discounted preview prices are available for heaps of shows across the Festival’s opening week (Wed 26 – Mon 31 Mar, as well as on selected shows and dates right through the Festival), Tightarse Tuesday prices are available throughout, and a 3+ show ‘laugh pack’ discounts help audience keep costs down.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Director Susan Provan AO, said, “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 silly-ness 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”.
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks, said, “Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back to take over our city and serve up a hearty dose of fun with free family friendly shows, late night laughs and everything in between.
“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. The Allan Labor Government is proud to back this flagship event – and to bring a barrel of laughs to our creative state. See you there.”
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for another season of monumental belly laughs.
“The Festival is a fantastic way to explore Melbourne, as more than 100 venues erupt with gags and nonsense – drawing crowds into the city and supporting local businesses.”
FESTIVAL SNAPSHOT:
Featuring a diverse and dynamic mix of international superstars, beloved Australian comedians, and exciting emerging talent, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of comedy and laughter-filled nights out.
The Festival is renowned for bringing the biggest international names to Australian stages, and 2025 is no exception. This year’s line-up includes top-tier acts from the UK, the US and Asia, delivering fresh, funny material and boundary-pushing performances. Audiences can look forward to seeing:
Award-winning international special guest artists including, Ahir Shah (UK), Flo & Joan (UK) with their show One Man Musical, Jin Hao Li (UK/Singapore) and Amy Gledhill (UK). Some of the most anticipated international names including, Adam Kay (UK), Anirban Dasgupta (India), Chanel Ali (USA), Charlene Kaye (USA), Chloe Petts (UK), Chris Parker (NZ), Danny Bhoy (Scotland), Desiree Burch (USA), Douglas Lim (Malaysia), Elf Lyons (UK), Guy Montgomery (NZ), Guy Williams (NZ), Iliza (USA), Jake Lambert (UK), Julio Torres (USA/El Salvador), Kumar (Singapore), Mark Watson (UK), Nish Kumar (UK), Olga Koch (UK/Russia), Paul Foot (UK), Pierre Novellie (Sth Africa/UK), Rahul Subramanian (India), Rhys Darby (NZ), Rosie Jones (UK), Ruby Wax (USA), Sara Pascoe (UK), Sumukhi Suresh (India), Urooj Ashfaq (India) and Urzila Carlson (NZ/Sth Africa), plus UK newcomers Amy Annette, Emmanuel Sonubi & Paddy Young who will perform in New Order.
Australian favourites Alex Ward, Ali McGregor, Becky Lucas, Broden Kelly, Bron Lewis, Cameron James, Claire Hooper, Daniel Connell, Dave Hughes, Dave O’Neil, David Quirk, Emma Holland, Geraldine Hickey, He Huang, Ivan Aristeguieta, Joel Creasey, Jude Perl, Kirsty Webeck, Laura Davis, Lizzy Hoo, Luke Heggie, Luke McGregor, Mary Coustas, Nazeem Hussain, Oliver Coleman, Reuben Kaye, Sammy J, Suren Jayemanne, Tom Cashman, Tommy Little, Yon (Tripod), Wil Anderson, Zoë Coombs Marr and many more, all have brand new shows.
The next generation of Australian comics also make our future look bright – check out Aidan Jones, Alex Hines, Anisa Nandula, Annie Boyle, Blake Freeman, Blake Pavey, Bridget Hassed, Bronwyn Kuss, The Burton Brothers, Charlie Lewin, Grace Jarvis, Grace Zhang, Hannah Camilleri, Harry Jun, Jenny Tian, Josh Glanc, Kimmie Lovegrove, Leon Filewood, Lewis Garnham, Lou Wall, Maddy Weeks, Nat Harris, Noah Szto, Sez, Scout Boxall, Rapha Manajem, Ting Lim and introducing our Comedy Zoners Nathan Chin (NSW), Rachael Hornbuckle (QLD), Omar Gad (NT), Tarsh Jago (VIC) and Stella Kappos (SA).
The line up shows are worth checking out too – Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, Asian Allstars Gala, the 35th Annual Great Debate, Upfront, the Moosehead Benefit and heaps more.
The whole family can laugh together as Melbourne International Comedy Festival presents its mega kids and family program which kicks off in the school holidays with Comedy Club for Kids; the Aboriginal Allstars for Kids, The Listies, Circus Oz, Mr Snotbottom and so much more. On Friday 18 April, kick off the Easter long weekend with The (Very) Big Laugh Out – a FREE family-friendly event from 1.30-5pm on the Fed Square Main Stage, jam-packed with the best stand-up, physical and musical comedy performers for kids.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival continues its longstanding commitment to nurturing Australia’s next generation of comedy stars through its range of dynamic and inclusive development programs. From school-aged students and young emerging comedians to our First Nations storytellers, and those ready to take the next professional step – these programs offer valuable platforms to cultivate and showcase comedic talent on a national scale. Don’t miss the RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns National Grand Finals – as the best new voices in Australia compete for the coveted crowns.
Directly following the Festival, the Roadshow will tour nationally visiting over 80 locations across the entire country.
For more information about the Melbourne International Comedy Festival visit comedyfestival.com.au
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
