With so many shows happening across the state over the coming months, it’s hard to know where to start. Don't fret - we've got your back with some killer recommendations.
With shows from comedians who cook, to comedy done on Spin Bikes and everything in between, check out these five stand-out shows at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Keep up with Melbourne’s latest comedy news, reviews and interviews here.
Freddie McManus – Freddie McManus is Stoppable
He’s a staple of Australian comedy stages, both as a solo artist and headliner in his own right as well as as a player in the wild hit sketch comedy show Mystery Flight, performing to sell-out crowds at Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Sydney Comedy Festival.
Fresh from opening for Jim Jefferies at Sydney’s State Theatre, the Brit brings his debut hour Freddie McManus Is Stoppable to Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Reeling from a recent setback that “stopped him in his tracks,” we’ll be joining Freddie as he tries to get it all back on track.
Freddie McManus is Stoppable is at the Fad Gallery until April 9.
Bianka Ismailovski – Like Godzilla
@biankaismailovski Chow down 😋 #fyp #comedy #standupcomedy #cantbetamed #femalecomedian #feminist #femaleempowerment #divorced #single
As host of the popular Sad and Sexy podcast, nothing is off limits for Bianka Ismailovski, you can expect the same for her stand-up comedy! Bianka is quickly becoming a social media icon, with her twenty-thousand-strong following loving her hilarious take on queerness, sex and much more.
Her new show, Like Godzilla is hitting Melbourne for a full run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The comedian takes on the world with her jokes and celebrates what life is like when you don’t follow expectations. This is a show you don’t want to miss.
Like Godzilla takes place at the Trades Hall Old Council Chamber until April 23.
Bianka Ismailovski and Maryellen – Open Bike
Bianka Ismailovski will also be appearing in this show alongside triple-threat Maryellen – who is a comedian, spin instructor and Bianka’s Sad and Sexy podcast co-host.
Open Bike will see the pair with guest comedians lead an actual spin class while performing stand-up comedy at Cyclebar in Fitzroy! Expect sweat, laughter and lots of endorphins in the air – you won’t be able to find an experience like this anywhere else during this year’s Comedy Festival.
On top of this, if you’re not in the mood for exercise, you can check out Open Bike as a spectator, check out more info on that here.
Get a group together and check out Bianka Ismailovski and Maryellen’s Open Bike at Cycle Bar every Sunday in April.
Mitchell Coombs – Water off A Duck’s Clit
https://youtu.be/MWP1n55b_Ds
After his award-winning 2022 MICF debut, Mitchell Coombs is back with a brand-new hour of comedy, Water off A Duck’s Clit. After a lifetime spent dwelling on the little things, Mitchell is learning not to sweat the small stuff. Instead of throwing tanties, Mitch’s new way of life means letting the stress roll away… like “water off a duck’s clit.”
With his half-a-million-strong social media following having collected him 10s of million of views, catch Mitch this April – before he’s selling out arenas.
Catch Mitchell Coombs’ Water off A Duck’s Clit at The Comics Lounge on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15.
Nat’s What I Reckon – Yeah Righto
Everyone’s favourite potty-mouth chef is hitting the road this April as he kicks off his Yeah, Righto tour. After selling out theatres and festivals around Australia across the last few years, Nat is back and ready to dive into some of his favourite things – swearing, rock music and making people laugh!
On top of his beloved comedy content, the mental health advocate has published three books, a podcast, created a boardgame, and plenty more. There’s a plethora of reasons over four million followers love what Nat does.
Ahead of a run at the Forum Melbourne, Nat’s What I Reckon hit the stage in Geelong, playing The Sphinx Hotel on March 30. More info on that can be found here. Come and check out why he keeps getting 5-star reviews.
What I Reckon – Yeah, Righto is at Geelong’s Sphinx Hotel on Thursday, March 30 and Melbourne’s The Forum until Sunday April 2.
Check out more Melbourne International Comedy Festival recommendations by heading here.
This article was made in partnership with More Talent
