Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny National Grand Final took place last night in Melbourne.
Hosted by First Nations comedy legend Andy Saunders, with special performances by Janty Blair, Kevin Kropinyeri and Dane Simpson – plus a lineup of six finalists – the night was a true celebration of the best new First Nations talent from around the country.
Deadly Funny is Australia’s only dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedy competition. Part of a suite of development programs by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival which run year-round, the Deadly Funny competition has crossed the continent to unearth the most fresh, funny and powerful, comedians and yarn-spinners from the oldest culture on earth. Today they took to the Arts Centre Melbourne stage to compete forthe National Deadly Funny title and a $3,000 cash prize.
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The 2024 Deadly Funny title was awarded to joint winners – Kalah Lovegrove, Ngarrindjeri from SA and Tyson Walker, Ramindjeri from QLD.
The six Deadly Funny national finalists who performed last night included Ben Moodie, Gamilaroi (VIC Finalist), Elliot Rovedi, Wiradjuri (NSW finalist), Kalah Lovegrove, Ngarrindjeri (SA Finalist), Kirsten Lynch, Noongar (WA finalist), Tyson Walker, Ramindjeri (QLD finalist) and Zone Harlem, Wiradjuri (ACT finalist)
As the winners of Deadly Funny, Kalah and Tyson join the ranks of the country’s favourite First Nations comedians including previous winners and alumni Kevin Kropinyeri, Steph Tisdell, Andy Saunders, Janty Blair, Ghenoa Gela, Jalen Sutcliffe and Shiralee Hood, who have all gone on to stellar careers performing around the country.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s other development programs include RAW Comedy and Class Clowns.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs until 21 April. For more information and to buy tickets, visit comedyfestival.com.au
