If you’re ready to laugh your guts out, the MIFC (Melbourne International Comedy Festival) is rolling into town for another year, with three weeks and over 600 shows of non-stop chuckles. Running from Wednesday 27 March to Sunday 21 of April, the festival isn’t limited to the CBD—you've got shows out in the suburbs, including Essendon, Williamstown, Moorabbin, Werribee, and Caroline Springs.
The lineup is true to the festival's name, with some stellar international acts. We’ve rounded up some of the must-see performances, with comedians from all corners of the globe. Keep reading to find out more:
Aaron Chen
Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
Aaron Chen needs little to no introduction for most MICF audiences. He won the festival’s Class Clowns competition in high school, and his first performance at MICF was a decade ago, so he’s no newcomer (although he did win Best Newcomer at the 2017 MICF). Known for his dry, straight-faced delivery, impeccable wit and undeniable irreverence, Aaron Chen’s shows are sure to sell out, so best to book in quickly. For more info and tickets, click here.
Urooj Ashfaq
Melbourne Town Hall, Cloak Room, Melbourne CBD
Winning the Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2023 is a good indicator that Urooj Ashfaq will have you clutching at your sides. Coming from India, her fast-talking and quick-thinking style has made her a hit both at home and during her UK tour. She also has a degree in psychology, so expect a bit of psychoanalysis (not on you, hopefully). For more info and tickets, click here.
Comedy Zone Asia Allstars
The Capitol, 113 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
If you’re completely bamboozled on who to see and you can’t decide on just one comic, look no further than the Comedy Zoen Asia Allstars. With fan favourites and zesty newcomers, this 10-person show is gonna have a little bit of everything from all over from India, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and China. This evening is guaranteed to be over an hour of good times. For more info and tickets, click here.
Larry Dean
Rydges One, 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD
Straight outta Glasgow, Larry Dean is returning to Melbourne, and observational humour is his bag. Dean has been performing for years and honing his craft, and you can see it in his stage presence. He’s coming to town off the back of sold-out seasons (and has won Scottish Comedian of the Year), so best get in quick. For more info and tickets, click here.
Schalk Bezuidenhout
The Greek, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
You might’ve seen this South African comedian on Netflix, but if you haven’t, his show is a pretty safe bet for hearty laughs. Schalk Bezuidenhout has been performing since 2011, and has since travelled all over the world to perform. Last in Australia in 2023, he cut his hair into a mullet to ‘fit in with the bogans’, and rest assured, his hair is still as good as his stand-up. For more info and tickets, click here.
Catherine Bohart
The Westin Three, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Coming in from Ireland, Catherine Bohart is a comedic force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t shy away from adult discussions, so definitely leave the kids home for this one. With the show revolving around death-obsessed parents, queer reproduction, and adulthood not living up to expectations, her show is bound to bring in more than a few laughs. For more info and tickets, click here.
Julian O’Shea
DoubleTree by Hilton, 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
Julian O’Shea is keeping Melbourne educated about how (mostly) livable it is. You might’ve seen O’Shea crop up on your YouTube recommendations and has amassed millions of views across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Touted as a show for ‘anyone who loves Melbourne or loves to hate Melbourne’, this show is a little love letter to the city we call home. For more info and tickets, click here.
Finn McGrath
DoubleTree by Hilton, 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
This 24-year-old comic genius from Melbourne is one to watch. Over the years deep in the comedy scene, Finn McGrath has already accrued several accolades including Most Promising Live Act at MUDFEST 2019 and two-time winner of UHT’s Most Outstanding Show—not to mention when he made his MICF debut in 2019, each and every seat was nabbed.
In Connection Interrupted, we’re told McGrath attempts to present an hour’s worth of serious social commentary without being interrupted once. We’re also told his tech team has his back to make sure absolutely and positively nothing will go wrong. Catch our drift? Grab your $30 ticket this way.
Need a pre-show dinner or post-laugh tipple? Check out:
Image credit: MICF | Nick Robertson