Melbourne International Comedy Festival is celebrating 40 years of funny in 2026.
The festival’s 40th year will be marked by ‘The Big 4-Oh’, a one-night-only spectacular bringing together stand-out comedians from the 2026 programme, and legends from the festival’s four decades. . . Plus an expanded outdoor programme at Fed Square. . . And the return of the festival’s comedy short film competition, Funny Shorts.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the funny and fearless artists who have bought us four decades of good times,” Festival Director Susan Provan AO says. “From what’s-a-website to whatsapp, faxes to iPhones, the constant has been the joy of sitting in a room sharing genius live comedy. Long live the best artform on the planet!”
From over the water, audiences can expect to see international performers like Sam Nicoresti (UK), Ian Smith (UK), Sam Jay (USA), Abby Govindan (USA), Chloe Petts (UK), Connor Burns (Scotland), Daniel Sloss (Scotland), David O’Doherty (Ireland), Douglas Lim (Singapore), Fadzri Rashid (Singapore), Jason Leong (Malaysia), Joanne McNally (Ireland), Joe Kent-Walters (UK), Larry Dean (Scotland), Luke McQueen (UK), Phil Wang (UK /Malaysia), Schalk Bezuidenhout (Sth Africa), Sofie Hagen (Dnk), Takashi Wakasugi (Japan), Tarang Hardikar (India), Zainab Johnson (US) and more.
Local legends and rising stars join the fun, including Abby Howells (NZ), Alexandra Hudson, Alex Ward, Alexei Toliopoulos, Anisa Nandaula, Aves Robin, Brett Blake, Bron Lewis, The Burton Brothers, Celia Pacquola, Cassie Workman, Chris Parker (NZ), Circus Oz, Cowboy C*untry featuring Kath Ebbs, Courtney Smith, Damian Callinan, Dan Rath, Daniel Connell, Daniel Muggleton, Dave Hughes, Dave Thornton, Denise Scott, Dilruk Jayasinha, Elouise Eftos, Emily Taheny & Christie Whelan Browne, Emma Holland, Geraldine Hickey, Grace Jarvis, Guy Williams (NZ), Harry Jun, He Huang, Henry Yan, Ivan Aristeguieta, Jack Ansett (NZ), Jenny Tian, Jimeoin, Jordan Barr, Kirsty Webeck, Kitty Flanagan, Lano & Woodley, Lena Moon, Lizzy Hoo, Lou Wall, Luke Heggie, Luke Kidgell, Nick Cody, Meg Jäger, Melanie Bracewell (NZ), Mel McGlensey, Nath Valvo, Nathan Chin, Nazeem Hussain, Pete Helliar, Rapha Manajem, Ray O’Leary (NZ), Reuben Kaye, Rowan Thambar, Sammy J, Sashi Perera, Tom Ballard, Tom Cashman, Tom Gleeson, Tommy Little, The Umbilical Brothers, Urzila Carlson (NZ/Sth Africa), Wil Anderson, Will Gibb and more.
There’ll also be a strong presence of First Nations talents this year. Expect to see Kevin Kropinyeri, Leon Filewood, Steph Tisdell, Tarsh Jago, Kylan Ambrum and Elaine Crombie. . . Many of whom have come through the Deadly Funny development programme.
Of course, some family favourites will make their return. . . Like Comedy Club For Kids, The Lists, The Tricky Nick Magic Show, Trash Test Dummies, Signor Baffo, and more. Flagship special events like The Gala, and The Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow are back, as are The 36th Annual Great Debate, Upfront, Asian Allstars Gala, RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026 is on from 25 March-19 April.
