The Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns this March with more than 400 shows, including 100 international acts alongside Australia's finest comedic talent.
With stand-up, sketch, improv, musical comedy, and family-friendly acts on offer, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival continues to solidify its reputation as one of the world’s premier comedy events. From established stars to fresh talent, this year’s lineup reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity and excellence in comedy.
Here’s our comprehensive guide to the must-see Melbourne International Comedy Festival performances of 2025.
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
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Festival Showcases
The Gala
Hosted by Mel Buttle, this sold-out Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala showcase – supporting Oxfam Australia – features the festival’s biggest stars at the Palais Theatre. The annual event brings together local and international acts for one unforgettable night of comedy, with all proceeds supporting communities worldwide.
Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow
Michael Hing leads a star-studded lineup in this festival launch event, broadcast on ABC from the Palais Theatre. The supershow traditionally sets the tone for the festival month ahead, featuring rapid-fire sets from comedy heavyweights and fresh faces alike.
The Great Debate
Celebrating its 35th year, this beloved festival tradition sees comedians battle it out over thought-provoking topics with razor-sharp wit and questionable logic. Always a festival highlight, the debate combines intellectual discourse with absolute absurdity.
Upfront
Hosted by Becky Lucas, this stereotype-smashing showcase celebrates female and non-binary performers. Now in its 17th year, Upfront continues to platform diverse voices and perspectives in contemporary comedy.
Asian Allstars Gala
Hosted by Takashi Wakasugi, this one-night-only event spotlights comedy talent from across Asia. The showcase features established stars and emerging voices from India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and beyond.
New Order
A fresh Melbourne International Comedy Festival showcase of rising British talent featuring Amy Annette, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Paddy Young. This curated selection represents the next wave of UK comedy, each bringing their unique perspective on modern British life.
International Headliners
Ruby Wax
The celebrated comedian, author and mental health advocate presents I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, based on her best-selling memoir. Wax expertly weaves personal experiences with sharp observations about modern life, delivering a masterclass in finding humour in life’s darker moments.
Paul Foot
Making his triumphant return to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the alternative comedy maverick brings his uniquely eccentric worldview and stream-of-consciousness style to the festival. Foot’s surreal observations and theatrical delivery have earned him a devoted following worldwide.
Flo & Joan with George Fouracres – One Man Musical
The UK musical comedy duo’s West End hit One Man Musical makes its exclusive Australian debut at Arts Centre Melbourne. HBO’s The Franchise star George Fouracres takes the lead in this wickedly funny tale about an egotistical musical theatre icon’s untold story, featuring original songs and biting satire.
Julio Torres
The SNL writer and Problemista creator makes his highly anticipated Australian debut with Color Theories. Known for his surreal perspective and distinct visual style, Torres crafts an immersive experience that blends stand-up with multimedia elements to explore colour, perception, and identity.
Desiree Burch
Raw, honest, and unapologetically hilarious, Burch tackles middle age, relationships, and societal expectations in her first Australian appearance. Fresh from sell-out shows in Edinburgh and London, she brings her trademark high-energy performance style to dissect modern life with unflinching wit.
Rahul Subramanian
The Indian comedy star returns with Who are You? following a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe season. Subramanian’s observational comedy deftly navigates cultural differences and universal experiences, earning him a reputation for sharp social commentary wrapped in disarming charm.
Sumukhi Suresh
Making her Australian debut, Suresh presents Hoemonal, a no-holds-barred exploration of womanhood, relationships, and cultural expectations. One of India’s leading comedy voices, Suresh combines storytelling prowess with incisive humour to challenge societal norms.
Jin Hao Li
Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 Best Newcomer nominee brings his acclaimed debut hour Swimming In A Submarine to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Li’s unique perspective on cultural identity and belonging resonates through clever wordplay and masterful timing, establishing him as one of comedy’s most exciting new voices.
Amy Gledhill
Fresh from winning the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, Gledhill arrives with Make Me Look Fit On The Poster. Her winning combination of physical comedy and astute observations about body image and self-perception has earned critical acclaim across the UK.
Ahir Shah
Known for intellectual comedy and political commentary, Shah returns with his trademark philosophical musings. Blending personal anecdotes with razor-sharp political analysis, Shah’s latest hour examines the absurdities of modern life through his distinctively erudite lens.
Mark Watson
The honorary Australian comedian brings his latest show to Melbourne as part of a national tour. Watson’s neurotic energy and rapid-fire delivery mask deep insights into anxiety, family life, and the strange ways we navigate an increasingly complex world.
Chloe Petts
Following a successful Australian debut, Petts returns with fresh material exploring identity and belonging. Her confident stage presence and authentic storytelling create an hour that’s both thought-provoking and consistently hilarious.
Sara Pascoe
Making her first Melbourne appearance since 2023, Pascoe delivers her distinctive blend of comedy and social commentary. Drawing from her background in anthropology, she examines relationships, feminism, and human behaviour with intellectual rigour and playful charm.
Paul Taylor
Fuck Me I’m French examines the humorous side of being a British expat in France. Taylor’s bilingual upbringing and cross-cultural experiences provide rich material for this sharp exploration of national identity and cultural misconceptions.
Josh Berry
Best Man draws from Berry’s recent wedding party experience for a fresh take on modern masculinity. The rising UK star combines his renowned impressions with personal storytelling to examine friendship, responsibility, and growing up in the social media age.
Urzila Carlson
The comedy powerhouse returns to Australian stages with her trademark no-nonsense approach to life’s absurdities and a fresh batch of outrageous stories.
Local legends
Anisa Nandaula
You Can’t Say That explores her experience as a black woman in Australia through powerful storytelling and humour. Nandaula’s compelling stage presence and poetic background inform this unflinching look at identity, belonging, and finding your voice at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Joel Creasey
Celebrating his 15th solo show, Thanks For Being Here promises Creasey’s signature sass and celebrity stories. The national treasure brings fresh material from his adventures in television, relationships, and navigating fame in the social media age.
Tom Cashman
2 Truths, 1 Lie & 17 Slight Exaggerations showcases Cashman’s clever wit and storytelling abilities. His meticulous approach to comedy combines fact-checking with absurdist humor for a uniquely engaging hour of entertainment.
Nazeem Hussain
Fresh from his Netflix special, Hussain returns with sharp observations about family life and modern Australia. Host of Laughing Mind and Joe vs Ozzy brings his trademark energy to stories about parenthood and politics. His new hour proves why he remains one of our most vital comedic voices.
Guy Williams
The tall Kiwi satirist examines extremely online culture and social media anxiety. A regular on 7 Days and Have You Been Paying Attention?, Williams brings his dry wit to Australian stages. His latest hour tackles everything from dating apps to cryptocurrency with characteristic cynicism.
Melanie Bracewell
The Cheap Seats host returns with tales from her meteoric rise across Australian television. Winner of the Director’s Choice at MICF 2023 brings fresh material about fame and turning thirty. Following sell-out runs in Sydney and Perth, Bracewell continues to charm audiences nationwide.
Chris Parker
The award-winning Kiwi combines theatrical flair with authentic storytelling in his new show. Star of Taskmaster NZ and Celebrity Treasure Island unpacks a year of personal chaos. Parker’s blend of physical comedy and vulnerability has earned him a devoted trans-Tasman following.
Becky Lucas
The sharp-tongued comedian returns with her most personal hour yet. Following her Amazon special, Lucas tackles therapy, dating, and quarter-life revelations. Her perfectly crafted punchlines and disarming honesty continue to set her apart.
Cameron James
The podcast favourite examines relationships and mental health in his new hour. Regular on The Project and Celebrity Letters and Numbers brings his laid-back charm to the stage. James combines relatable stories with clever commentary on surviving your thirties.
Tom Cashman
The forensic fact-checker returns with 2 Truths, 1 Lie & 17 Slight Exaggerations. Following viral success and sold-out shows, Cashman brings his meticulous approach to comedy. His unique blend of research and absurdity creates a uniquely engaging hour.
Wilson Dixon
The musical comedian returns with Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, You Do. Combining country tunes with deadpan observations about relationships and rural life. The Kiwi cowboy philosopher proves why he’s a festival favourite.
Paul Williams
Taskmaster NZ’s breakout star delivers Don’t Look At Me, examining social awkwardness. The Melbourne-based Kiwi unpacks the art of avoiding attention and embracing discomfort. Williams’ observational style continues to win over Australian audiences.
Hayley Sproull
The Taskmaster NZ winner presents Wild Flutters, a show about anxiety and achievement. Combining musical talent with sharp comedy about trying to keep it together. Sproull’s theatrical background shines in this accomplished hour.
For all tickets and program information, visit comedyfestival.com.au
