The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has unveiled its latest wave of international performers, bolstering an already stacked lineup of comedic talent heading to Victorian shores this autumn.
UK comedy darlings Flo & Joan are bringing their West End hit One Man Musical exclusively to Melbourne, featuring George Fouracres (HBO’s The Franchise) in the lead role. The production, which follows a renowned musical theatre icon’s untold story, will take up residency at Arts Centre Melbourne for the festival’s duration.
The British contingent continues with the return of alternative comedy champion Paul Foot and a fresh showcase titled New Order, featuring rising stars Amy Annette, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Paddy Young.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025
- Running from 26 March to 20 April 2025
- From stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy, line-up shows and special events
- Over its 39 years, the Festival has become a cultural icon in Melbourne
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Making their Australian debuts are SNL writer and Problemista creator Julio Torres with Color Theories, and the acclaimed Desiree Burch, bringing her raw perspective on middle age to Melbourne audiences. The festival also welcomes back Indian comedy heavyweight Rahul Subramanian with Who are You? while Sumukhi Suresh makes her first Australian appearance with Hoemonal.
The festival’s flagship events return with local favourites taking the helm. Mel Buttle hosts the sold-out Gala supporting Oxfam Australia, while Michael Hing leads the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, both at the Palais Theatre and set for ABC broadcast.
Special events include the 35th Annual Great Debate, Becky Lucas hosting stereotype-smashing showcase Upfront, and the Asian Allstars Gala with Takashi Wakasugi. The festival’s development programs culminate in three national finals: Deadly Funny hosted by Elaine Crombie, Class Clowns with Sez, and the RAW Comedy national decider.
This year’s program features more than 400 acts, including 100 international performers alongside Australia’s finest comics.
Comedy heavyweights take the stage
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is known for attracting the world’s top comedic talent, and the 2025 program delivers an exceptional mix of global stars. Key highlights include:
- Ruby Wax, presenting her critically acclaimed show I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, based on her best-selling memoir. The celebrated comedian and author will also tour eight cities across Australia and New Zealand.
- Amy Gledhill, winner of the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show with Make Me Look Fit On The Poster.
- Jin Hao Li, whose debut hour Swimming In A Submarine earned a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024.
- Ahir Shah, bringing his intellectual and political brand of comedy, filled with philosophical musings and sharp wit.
- Mark Watson, the honorary Australian comedian and novelist, visiting Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide.
- Chloe Petts, returning after a successful Australian debut hour with a brand-new show exploring identity and her trademark humour.
- Sara Pascoe, marking her first Melbourne performance since 2023.
- Rahul Subramanian, the Indian TV star and comedian, arriving fresh from a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe season for a limited run.
Australian comedians will take centre stage, with some of the country’s biggest names and brightest rising stars delivering diverse performances. Audiences can look forward to acts by Geraldine Hickey, Wil Anderson, Zoë Coombs Marr, Tommy Little, Michelle Brasier, and Nazeem Hussain, alongside emerging voices such as Gillian Cosgriff, Jude Perl, He Huang, and Grace Jarvis.
For all tickets and program information, visit comedyfestival.com.au
