MICF 2024: Adrian Bliss

British YouTuber Adrian Bliss has arrived in Australia for the very first time, kicking off his run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. His show Inside Everyone premiered last year with a sold-out four-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe and has now arrived to sold-out crowds in Melbourne. 

The show - part musical theatre, part comedy - keeps the essence Adrian is known for on social media with hilarious comedy sketches and observations throughout the ages. Following the journey of a single atom through time and space, Adrian has more costume changes than the Eras Tour, as he embodies everyone and everything on the universal timeline. 

From dinosaurs to the Virgin Mary, Caesar to William Shakespeare, Adrian delves beneath the surface with unique and fresh takes we've not heard in the history books. From Van Gogh's ear (after the incident), to life as a sperm, we see some of the world's best minds with incredible acting, singing and dancing. 

Adrian is a triple threat - a master of quick changes, perfect comedic timing and the dry delivery we know and love. This show is a must-see. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): The Malthouse - Beckett Theatre 

Dates: Tues 16 Apr to Sun 21 Apr 

Time: Times may vary, check website 

Tickets: $35 - $44.90 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au, 03 9685 5111 & at the door

Rhys Nicholson delivers on yet another evening of unfiltered hilarity, as they hit the stage with a barrage of razor-sharp observations for their latest show Huge Big Party Congratulations. From the trials and tribulations of married life, to the unexpected perils of selling pornography during their school years, Nicholson fearlessly delves into the absurdities of modern existence with their trademark wit.

In their hour-long show, Nicholson takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of marriage; tackling everything from the joys of being looked after by their husband, to being told constantly to have kids. With each punchline delivered with impeccable timing and flair, Nicholson invites audiences into their world – a world where tangents and side comments reign supreme and no topic is off-limits.

Whether they're sharing tales of becoming a stoner, having medical emergencies in regional Victoria, or wishing they were dumb, Nicholson's comedy is a testament to their ability of being a MICF must-see - you're always in for a good time with Rhys's show (even if you were dragged there by friends or family).

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Comedy Republic, Melb Town Hall - Main Hall 

Dates: Thurs 28 Mar to Sun 21 Apr 

Time: Times may vary, please check website. 

Tickets: $30 - $45 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door

The hit online improv game show made its live debut at this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival - in what would be complete chaos set across three Fridays. For the particular performance we caught, comedy group Aunty Donna were joined by fellow comedians (and long-time collaborators) Michelle Brasier and Mish Wittrup, for an hour-long improv show packed full of absurdities.

Part Whose Line is it Anyway? and Thank God You're Here, the Most Upsetting Guessing Game in the World kicked off with the group explaining the absolutely wild rules of the show, before coming up with their character prompts (which were equally as wild). With Mark Bonanno moderating, and Mish Wittrup as the 'party host', the show kicked off with what would be an hour-long of us cackling along to every line.

The show's highlights included Broden's portrayal of someone acting like Rove McManus at an art gallery, Zach being Australia's favourite cartoon dog Bloopy, and Michelle acting as the legal documents (AKA 'suing papers' from Mish) filed by Crispy Glover against the Spielbergs company. The performance really was a 'you had to be there' kind of vibe - as we realise how absurd the above sounds.

Regardless of the show's chaotic nature, the show truly was an hour chock full of the weird and wonderful; as the icons that are Aunty Donna and their guests put on a hell of an improv performance. 

We hope to see the return of this show at next year's festival!

The self-proclaimed start of Taskmaster New Zealand Paul Williams is back in Melbourne for his latest show Mamiya 7. This was hands down the best show at the comedy festival that centered around purchasing a second-hand camera on eBay and finding a roll of film left behind. 

You'll be kinder surprised as you follow Paul's epic adventures to meet the potential love of his life, his goal to avoid being pissed on at all costs, and get a fresh take on his latest movie reviews. 

Come see Paul (and his camera) talk about an influencer from his high school, and sing about everything from moonlight to abortion. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Melb Town Hall - Backstage Room 

Dates: 28 March – 21 April (No show Mondays) 

Time: 7.40pm (6.40pm Sundays) 

Tickets: $25 - $35 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Larry Dean's new show Dodger takes his audience on a deeply personal journey, surrounding the people he holds nearest and dearest. Larry brings his mastery of accents and impressions to tell moving stories about his cherished relationships, his intentions to move to America, and his latest prized possession - an autism certificate. 

In an action-packed hour, you'll get to hear all about Larry's latest obsessions, how he's been spending his quality time and what it's like living with a crazy face like his. 

Larry Dean’s Dodger is a must-see at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. The show is one of our absolute favourites (for a second year running); managing to find the perfect balance of endless laughter and genuine, heartwarming tales. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Rydges One 

Dates: 28 March - 21 April 

Time: 9pm Tue-Sat, 8pm Sun 

Tickets: $32 - $38 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

In his new show Revolting, Greg takes the audience through his life from past to present. From his childhood memories spent in front of a TV, to his later years spent as a goth, we hear about some of Greg's most nostalgic moments growing up. 

Greg wastes no time talking about his wild times at TAFE, performing in the music industry, and even in porn (sort of). Needless to say, Greg bares it all to share a part of himself in the realest art form possible - comedy. 

He's an artist and a performer; spending his time dwelling on his new job as a 'content creator'. Come along to the show to find out what's grinding Greg's gears, as well as to learn about the world pre-Google when you had to Ask Jeeves. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Rydges Two

Dates: 28 March – 21 April 2024

Time: 9pm (8pm Sunday)

Tickets: $28 - $38

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Have you ever wondered what an 11-year-old Abby Howells was writing about in her diary all those years ago? Wonder no more as Abby Howells brings La Soupco - a screenplay written as a child - to the stage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 

Weaving in stories about her life, her romantic endeavours, her obsession with Les Mis and her recent diagnosis with autism, Abby's latest show opens your eyes to a post-World War II Spain through the eyes of an 11-year-old who's done absolutely no research whatsoever. 

The hilarious show is like no show you've seen before! Come and see Abby tap dance her way through life, as well as some stories about nautical trauma. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Chinese Museum - Jade Room 

Dates: 28th March - 21st of April (no shows Mondays) 

Time: Tuesday-Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 5:30pm. 

Tickets: $24 - $28 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door

Fresh off his assistant role on Taskmaster Australia, Tom Cashman covers, well, everything in his latest show Everything. Tackling topics in his favourite way (via statistics and PowerPoint presentations), Cashman's new show is over the top with plenty of one-liners, embarrassing stories, and graphs.

What has easily been one of our favourite shows of the comedy festival, Cashman deals with topics such as 'romance', 'job', and 'numbers' - with plenty of diagrams, screenshots and colour-coding thrown in, to hilarious effect. His deadpan delivery and loveable weirdo vibe had us all in stitches - and made us question if we were really doing live photos and dating apps right.

To find out about the pains of being named after a crime, chatting to girls online, and why the number 600169 is the funniest number, make sure you check out Tom and his latest slideshow.

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Basement Comedy Club (Morris House) 

Dates: 28 March - 21 April

Time: 8.45pm Tue-Sat, 7.45pm Sun

Tickets: $25.50 - $35.50

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door

This vibrant, uproarious journey delves into the heart of millennial and digital culture. Chris' latest show, and fourth time at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, is one of our absolute favourites, as he navigates the complexities of social media, FOMO, the nostalgia of growing up in the digital age, and the universal quest for connection in a world dominated by screens.

Before the show has even started, Chris Parker is front and centre; welcoming the audience and putting on a show as he sings and dances his way through iconic pop hits - mostly because he's afraid the audience will bond without him. The show covers everything from exploring the dynamics of group chats, the key differences between your 20s and 30s, and even the last time you kissed your dad on the mouth. Needless to say, Chris leaves no stone unturned. 

Parker's ability to blend humour with heartfelt stories shines through as he touches on the deepest most personal moments in his life, including his 11th birthday party. Come on a journey through millennial trends, social media pitfalls and the absurdities of internet culture. Chris is extraverted with a capital EXTRA, and his show is so relatable you'll wonder if he's been looking through your phone too. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): The Westin One 

Dates: 28 March - 21 April 

Time: 7.45pm Tue-Sat, 6.45pm Sun 

Tickets: $25 - $35 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door

Don't Tease Me About My Gloves is Geraldine's hilarious new show filled with deeply personal but universal themes; from handling all types of grief, and dealing with family dynamics, through to confronting personal health issues - all with a comedic twist.

Taking on the duty of explaining her new diagnosis of Raynaud's disease seriously (but not too seriously), Geraldine's candid and in-depth storytelling brings you into her world. Tackling the world through a new sober(ish) lens, her show will take you all over the world - or at least on a trek up Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat. 

If you want to learn more about grief jobs, her close personal friend Tina Arena, or simply want to purchase a bird calendar, Geraldine's show is for you. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Arts Centre Melbourne - Fairfax Studio 

Dates: 28 March – 21 April 2024

Time: 6:15pm (5:15pm Sunday) 

Tickets: $35 - $48 Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au, 1300 182 183 & at the door 

You may know Nina Oyama from her appearances on shows including Deadloch, Taskmaster Australia and Utopia. In her latest show Nina Oyama is Coming, you can leave your preconceptions at the door. Not one to shy away from explicit humour, Oyama's performance is filthy, smart and extremely unapologetic - or as she likes to describe it 'an hour of jokes about my p***y'. 

Nina's set covers everything from her latest interactions with cyclists, interesting studies and statistics about CEOs, exploring the idea of surrogacy, UTIs and some pop culture references (thrown in for the nerds). Her personal anecdotes and social commentary are all delivered with her usual charismatic wit and humour. 

If you're not laughing, you're learning - and in this show, you'll do both. 

Nina Oyama is coming - and so should you. 

Melbourne Comedy Festival 2024: 

Venue(s): Comedy Republic, Melb Town Hall - Cloak Room 

Dates: 28 March – 21 April 

Time: 9pm Thurs-Sat, 8pm Sun 

Tickets: $20 - $34 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door

Scottish stand-up Fern Brady returns to MICF for another run - this time with her latest show I Gave You Milk To Drink. Now with an incredible memoir, Strong Female Character, under her belt, as well as a string of TV appearances, Fern is here to tell us why she doesn't want to be famous - she's just here to make people laugh, and tell it how it is. 

From sharing stories of navigating the world as an autistic woman, to taking magic mushrooms and having a cat spirit guide, Fern leaves no topic untouched. Amidst the laughter, Fern has a rawness to her comedy that is relatable - especially when it comes to rocky relationships with parents and her views on euthanasia. Despite this, her take on kink shaming and Gen Z's view on the matter is an absolute killer, and had us in stitches. 

We're told not to expect the Fern you've seen on TV; but you will hear about all of her antics backstage. She's coming at you live from Rydges Melbourne - catch her while you can. 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024

Venue(s): Rydges Ballroom 

Dates: 28 March - 21 April 

Time: 9.15pm Tue-Sat, 8.15pm Sun  

Tickets: $32 - $38 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au 

From the moment we sit down at Emma Holland's show, we're in hysterics - watching the self-proclaimed wearer of many hats zip around the stage on a lime scooter. With the Wii Sport music playing, a monkey strapped to her helmet, and a series of dog show videos playing behind her, the scene has been set for a truly absurd show.

Ever wondering if you could pull off a turtle neck, or have a career in creating couples t-shirts? Emma Holland has. Holland loves a strong PowerPoint presentation, and uses the tool expertly throughout her show. Along with her love of biographies, there's singing, and there's a lot of close-up eye contact - all which will have you laughing until your sides hurt.

If you're a fan of close up magic (sort of), killer Facebook Marketplace finds, and finding out who holds the title of 'funniest bird', then this is the show for you. 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024

Venue(s): ACMI - Gandel Lab 

Tickets: $22 - $34 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door 

Catherine Bohart brings her chaotic, anxious energy to MICF for her latest show Again, With Feelings. After a string of television appearances as well as her hit podcast Trusty Hogs, we were keen to catch Catherine for an absolute riot of a show.

Navigating her way through the queer dating scene, Catherine shares her tales of dating with an age gap, the thrills of share houses, and the lengths she's gone to keep relationships alive. With her rich storytelling prowess, Catherine reels you in with every word - keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Her frustrations at her Irish upbringing and her parents' three expectations (own a house, get married, have a baby) resonate with the audience, and had us laughing non-stop. Topped off with some of the best gossip you'll hear for a while, Catherine's stories had the audience cackling along until the very end.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024

Venue(s): The Westin Three 

Dates: 28 March - 21 April 

Time: 7.50pm Tue-Sat, 6.50pm Sun 

Tickets: $29 - $35 Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door 

US heavy-heavy hitters Joel Kim Booster and Zainab Johnson share the stage for a headlining show at the Supper Room in Melbourne Town Hall. 

Taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of themes, Joel Kim Booster touches on everything from the trials of inter-height relationships to his inexplicable hatred for koalas and horses. With his razor-sharp humour, Booster delves fearlessly into topics as diverse as the impending apocalypse (and what will cause it) and the peculiarities of white people, leaving the audience in stitches at every turn.

Booster's unique perspective and unabashed honesty make for comedy that's as refreshing as it is ridiculous. Whether he's dissecting the absurdity of societal norms or pondering the inevitable demise of humanity, his comedic reach knows no bounds. 

With the audience well and truly warmed up, Zainab Johnson takes to the stage to delve into the world of bad dates, the qualms involved with modern relationships, and the fact she unapologetically owns a gun. Johnson leaves no stone unturned, regaling audiences with anecdotes of her adventures on the Raya dating app and her sleuthing escapades to work out a man's actual height. 

With each punchline delivered, Johnson proves herself to be a comedic force to be reckoned with (and why would you - she has a gun). But it's not just Johnson's fearless humour that makes her stand out – it's her unwavering honesty and relatable charm that truly steal the show. 

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024

Venue(s): Melb Town Hall - Supper Room 

Dates: 28 Mar - 7 Apr 

Time: 9.15pm Tue-Sat, 8.15pm Sun 

Tickets: $30 - $38 

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au & at the door