The 40th Melbourne International Comedy Festival has kicked off, once again, with comedy’s night of nights: The Gala.
The event was filled with talents – brand-new and established – granting a sold-out audience access into the festival’s offering for 2026.
Hosting proceedings was the incomparable and iconic Denise Scott, who joked about it only taking 40 years to get her to host. Armed with her signature dry, frank humour – and a new sense of defiance after battling and beating cancer – she was an absolute joy between acts, even bringing on the giggles when introducing them side stage.
The night was purely packed with laughs. Whether it was Takashi Wakasugi breaking down the difference between dogs and rats, Ivan Aristeguieta pointing out the absurdity of the English language, Urzila Carlson getting into detail about showering, Nath Valvo reminiscing on his time in the jungle or Gillian Cosgriff letting us know – through song – what she gets up to in the bath.
Perhaps it was Josh Thomas reminding us to embrace our flaws, or Emma Holland’s hysterical PowerPoint presentation, that got audiences going. . . Whoever, or whatever it was, the audience at the Palais Theatre soaked up every second.
It was a perfect blend of all different styles of comedy, showcasing the idea that there’s truly something for everyone, and that something will always make someone laugh. Some sides were split over pure absurdity and chaos, while others found themselves wiping tears from their eyes when the jokes were as dry and subtly delivered as could be.
The Gala proved, as it always seems to do with ease, the effectiveness of comedy. . . Especially when the world outside feels bleaker than normal. All 24 acts in this year’s Gala (not to mention the hundreds presenting shows at MICF 2026) should feel proud of their ability to bring joy – it truly is a skill.
What a joy to see Melbourne transform and come alive once again, simply to feel good and to laugh. And how lucky we are to be in such good hands with some genuinely unreal talent gracing our stages this year. Bring on the next four weeks!
