The festival is the largest native comedy festival and also the third-largest internationally, just behind the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Montreal’s Just For Laughs. The event has run for three and a half weeks since 1987 and involves comedy at many different venues across the city, such as comedy clubs and bars, although Melbourne Town Hall is the main hub. As well as stand-up comedy, the festival includes debates, comedy performances, cabaret, film, TV and radio, all preceded by an opening night gala of comedy. Notable names over the years have included Stephen K. Amos, Rich Hall, David O’Doherty, and Ross Noble, to name but a few. A recent visitor to the festival said:
“The Festival is always wonderful – such a variety of options available, something for everyone. Many venues across town and even into some nearby suburbs. Many venues run back-to-back shows so if you’re up for it you can see a few shows in one night.”
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival takes place from March 28th until April 23rd,. The festival hub is Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC.