1728

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26.03.2025

Issue 1728

Words by Kaya martin

Wait, what’s that we hear?

There’s a strange sound echoing out of venues across our fair city, seeping out of stage doors and up venue stairs. It’s raucous, repetitive and somewhat animalistic, ranging from bird-like squawks to big cat growls. Worst of all, it’s contagious.

That’s right – the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is in town. And if you’re looking to giggle, guffaw, chuckle and chortle your way through April, you’ve come to the right place, because we’re offering up a whole whack of information and a few free jokes while we’re at it. 

Cover star Rhys Darby tells us his favourite Kiwi eats, Singapore’s Jin Hao Li takes us into the dreamscape and Russia’s Olga Koch gives us… well, a taste of Koch. Plus, we’ve got a rundown of the events you won’t want to miss, from bargain scores to all-star showcases. 

If you’re struggling with where to start, here’s our winning strategy, honed by years of attendance. Grab a mate, pick a night (we recommend Tightarse Tuesday) and go see one comedian you love and one you’ve never heard of, with a quick stop for dinner. Also, this goes without saying, but don’t sit in the front unless you want to get roasted. 

And we didn’t forget about the music. We’ve still got the album reviews, a Slowdive deep-dive and a sneak peek into a new project aiming to save one of Australia’s rarest languages for you. 

So yeah, you’re welcome!