MICF 2025: Rhys Darby

The Legend Returns is exactly what you’d hope for from Rhys Darby - a one-man absurdist sci-fi odyssey packed with eccentric characters, nonsensical logic, and a full-body commitment to chaos.

The New Zealand comic warns (and delights) the audience with tales of AI, robot uprisings, hoverboards, and tech billionaires gone rogue. At the centre of it all? Darby himself, hurtling through a version of the future only he could dream up, along with Olympic sports that should exist, a beatboxing segment, and more sound effects than the entire Police Academy franchise.

It’s storytelling meets cartoon madness - and somehow, by the end, it all comes full circle. 

Equal parts absurd and impressive, Darby once again proves he’s a master of his own uniquely unhinged universe.

This show is not to be missed. 

Each year, Upfront brings together some of the sharpest, silliest and most spectacular performers from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and 2025 was no exception. 

Held at the Melbourne Town Hall, this year’s celebration of female and non-binary voices in comedy featured a packed line-up of local legends and international stars. 

Hosted by Becky Lucas - who wasted no time diving into what it's like being a child of divorce, motherhood and the weird world of raising men - the night delivered a whirlwind of fast-paced sets, unexpected musical moments and crowd-pleasing hilarity. Some of our favourite moments of the evening included:

• Alex Ward on her experiences with temporary tattoos.
• Amy Annette (UK) whose observations on bread and French culture had us in stitches.
• Chanel Ali (USA) on her friends dating older men.
• Charlene Kaye (USA) singing songs about Tumblr-era Glee erotic fan-fiction.
• Claire Hooper revealing the quirks of the introverts.
• Emma Holland talking about magic and The Matrix.
• Frankie McNair's Tabitha routine and her rendezvous with Muffin Break.
• Gillian Cosgriff and Laura Daniels teaming up to sing about disappointing men, existential dread and a world on fire (feat. Jude Pearl).
• Jude Pearl singing about Everybody Loves Raymond.
• Kirsty Webeck and her secret identity as a Canadian.
• Lizzy Hoo getting Bali massages.
• Mel & Sam singing about board games. 
• Melanie Bracewell (NZ) take on ADHC and IUDs.
• Nicci Wilks from Circus Oz and her jaw-dropping giant hula hoop act. 
• Olga Koch (UK) reflections on life among the elite. 
• Robyn Reynolds who is here to make Crohn's disease sexy.
• Sara Pascoe (UK) speaking about the challenges of older motherhood.
• Scout Boxall talking about Pride and the Melbourne Cup. 
• Tarsh Jago recounting tales on the Spirit of Tasmania. 
• Urooj Ashfaq (India) and her belief in astrology. 

From high energy to heartfelt to straight-up absurd, Upfront remains a powerful showcase of just how expansive, experimental, and exciting comedy can be when it brings together this much talent on one stage.  

Having been a part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for 20 years, Mark Watson has established himself as a mainstay in the world of comedy. In his newest show, Before It Overtakes Us, Mark brings his signature blend of observational humor and introspection to the stage, creating a show that’s both hilarious and thought-provoking. 

Right from the start, he encourages the audience to boo latecomers, setting the tone for a night of high-energy, no-holds-barred comedy. Mark doesn’t hold back as he gives everyone a briefing on what to expect in the show, including a hilarious recount of his time playing corporate gigs to ‘the sausage people.’

Mark’s storytelling takes the audience through everything from his nervous flying experiences (with some truly memorable ‘near-death’ moments on planes) to arguing with customer service robots and navigating therapy. His observations about the awkwardness of life are spot-on and relatable - and when it’s the absurd, it’s when he’s thinking about what it would be like to wake up as Taylor Swift.

As always, Mark has a deep connection with the audience, which shines through in his expert crowd work and warm stage presence. His ability to weave personal anecdotes with sharp social commentary is a testament to his experience and versatility as a comedian. Despite his numerous television appearances and this unfiltered solo show, Mark proves that he’s much more than just a TV personality - he’s a keen observer of life, and his accuracy with everyday truths will have you nodding in agreement while laughing along.

If you've ever dreamed of an outrageous musical parody that pokes fun at the grandiose world of musical theatre and its heavy hitters , One Man Musical is exactly what you need. Created by the comedic genius duo Flo and Joan, this unofficial (and unauthorised) musical takes us on a wild ride through some of the most iconic moments from a certain playwright’s musical history, with plenty of laughs and jaw-dropping absurdity along the way.

From a Cats-esque number to the origins of The Phantom of the Opera, the show pulls no punches in its tongue in cheek examination of an iconic figure’s larger-than-life career, upbringing and turbulent love life. In true Flo and Joan fashion, the music is catchy, witty, and absolutely brilliant.

The real star of the show, is George Fouracres, who absolutely owns his role as the one-man powerhouse. His high-energy performance is an absolute delight, keeping the audience riveted from beginning to end. He switches effortlessly between the iconic composer’s key moments in life; delivering punchlines with impeccable timing and capturing the audience’s attention with his magnetic stage presence.

This show is a must-see for fans of musical theatre and anyone who loves to laugh at the chaos behind the curtain. There are bubbles, a few delightful twists, and enough drama to satisfy even the most dedicated theatre geeks. It's the kind of show that will have you laughing from start to finish - and most of all, it's here for a limited time, so catch it before it’s gone (or they get caught)!

After an incredible show at last year’s MICF, Chris Parker returns for Stop Being So Dramatic! - the perfect blend of his self-deprecating humor and high-energy, feverishly paced comedy. From the moment the show begins - with Chris dancing as the audience walks in - you know you're in for a wild ride. Chris flawlessly uses his trademark flair for exaggeration, tackling everything from the soul-crushing memories associated with childhood ballet and jazz dancing, to the craziness that is clubbing in your mid-30s.

The show is a delightful mix of personal stories and hilarious observations, like the villain origin stories of his dance teachers, intrusive thoughts, and his complicated feelings about the first loves of his life: fingerless gloves and community theatre. He reflects on the trials of being in your 30s and why, to this day, it’s still weird to buy yourself a Toblerone.

Expect plenty of belly laughs and an assortment of too-relatable moments. With his unique perspective, Stop Being So Dramatic! proves Chris Parker is the ultimate comedic storyteller - funny, relatable, and dramatic in all the best ways.

In Despair is Beneath Us, Laura Davis invites us into a candid, unfiltered exploration of their life over the past 12 months. With their sharp wit and a stream of consciousness delivery, they offer a jam-packed hour of humor that touches on everything from the oddities of sleep to the challenges (and lows) of hosting trivia nights. It's a show that blends the absurd with the deeply relatable, leaving you laughing while also reflecting on the strange, chaotic nature of life.

There’s no shortage of quirky anecdotes, like their attempts at painting sunsets and sunrises, and the joys of going for late-night walks. They even touch on more surreal moments, like their childhood experiences and the absurdities of life that, somehow, feel strangely familiar. It’s all unfiltered, unapologetic, and deeply human.

If you’re a fan of stand-up that doesn’t shy away from the ins and outs of therapy, with plenty of the existential turmoil thrown in, Davis’ unflinching honesty and rapid-fire delivery will keep you laughing and thinking long after the show ends. It’s a comedy hour like no other - chaotic, funny, and a little bit dark, but ultimately, it’s an exploration of life and all its bizarre twists.

Flo and Joan are back in Melbourne for their latest offering, The Joan & Flo Show. The musical comedy duo, known for their brilliant songwriting and quick wit, brings both old favorites and fresh hits to the stage and will leave you laughing long after the show ends.

Opening with a hilarious song about gaining confidence, they immediately set the tone for the evening - playful, sharp, and undeniably fun. From their comedic take on the frustrations of getting parcels delivered to a song about overly friendly bus drivers, their mix of old and new had us cackling from the get go. A standout moment included a song about the family member we all love to hate, which had the audience in stitches.

Longtime fans will appreciate their classic ‘Drank Too Much’, alongside their unreleased tunes written for a bank they partnered with. From quick bangers to a song written in the style of a traditional folk song (which gets quirkier by the minute), Flo and Joan truly know how to keep the laughs going. 

For just five shows only, this is a show not to be missed. Flo and Joan are, without a doubt, our favourite musical comedy duo, and this show is the perfect reminder of why they’ve captured audiences around the world.

Returning to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as the 2023 winner of Most Outstanding Show, Gillian Cosgriff performed to a sold-out audience with brand new material for her latest show, Fresh New Worries. 

This is a show for anxious overthinkers, casual catastrophisers and anyone who’s ever spent their time Googling how to reduce their screen time while scrolling on a screen. 

Worries are quite literally at the heart of the show - with audience members invited to submit theirs anonymously into a physical worries box at the start of the night. 

From there, we’re off; navigating the personal, political, and occasionally prehistoric (Greek mythology gets a strong look-in) as Cosgriff hilariously unpacks everything that has you concerned about the world as well as some fresh new worries to take home with you. 

Cosgriff is in top form, with standout songs about billionaires, stories about the unexpected powers of Hamilton and some very passionate (and correct) opinions about McFlurries. 

Come along to find out what all the fuss is about and enjoy laughing along to fun songs about the existential dread that is our lives in 2025. 

Photo Credit: Nicole Reed

Equal parts football fanatic and sharp social observer, Chloe Petts returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a confident, magnetic show that bounces between punchlines and politics with the ease of a seasoned pro.

How You See Me, How You Don’t blends personal stories with broader reflections on identity, gender, class, and sport - all filtered through Petts' dry, intelligent delivery. 

Telling stories of her time on Sky Sports News, her descent into the world of trolls and what it was like growing up at an all-girls school, Petts takes you through her life unfiltered - deeply grounded in real experience, without ever losing its comedic bite.

For those that get lost in other shows, don't worry - Petts has a full glossary and will be happy to take the time to explain the joke to you personally. 

Head on down to the Town Hall to find out what Chloe Petts has in common with Ali G, and to find out what CPFC actually stands for. 

For 25 hours, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is slashing ticket prices across a range of 2025 Festival shows to just $25*

With over 300 shows available including: Akmal, Alex Hines, Alex Ward, Andy Balloch, Anirban Dasgupta (India), Becky Lucas, Brett Blake, Bronwyn Kuss, Cameron James, Chloe Petts (UK), Daniel Connell, Douglas Lim (Malaysia), Elouise Eftos, Geraldine Hickey, Geraldine Quinn, Guy Montgomery (NZ), He Huang, Ivan Aristeguieta, Janty Blair, Jenny Tian, Joel Creasey, Josh Glanc, Joshua Ladgrove, Jude Perl, Kirsty Webeck, Lizzy Hoo, Luke Heggie, Luke McGregor, Mel Bracewell (NZ), Nazeem Hussain, Nick White, Nicolette Minster, Olga Koch (Russia/UK), Paul Foot (UK), Rahul Subramanian (India), Rosie Jones (UK), Ruby Wax (USA), Sammy J, Sara Pascoe (UK), Scout Boxall, Suren Jayemanne, Takashi Wakasugi (Japan), Tom Allen (UK), Tommy Little, Wankernomics, Zoe Coombs Marr and so many more.

This is a once-a-year offer, and it all kicks off at noon on Tuesday 4 February, so make the most of it while you can! 

Offer ends at 1pm on Wednesday 5 February, subject to availability.

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2525/

More international artists have been announced for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival which kicks off in just 8 weeks on 26 March.

Straight from the UK and exclusive to Melbourne comes One Man Musical by award-winning comedy duo Flo & Joan. Following sell-out runs in London’s West End, One Man Musical is about a very renowned and real-life icon of the musical theatre world who finally turns the spotlight onto the one story he's yet to tell – his own. Starring George Fouracres (HBO’s The Franchise, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Hamlet) as ‘the man’ and Flo & Joan as ‘the band’ and directed by Georgie Staight (Operation Mincemeat) the show will run for the full Festival season at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Also from the UK; trail-blazer Paul Foot returns with his most personal and surprising show yet; and New Order – one show featuring three of the UK’s hottest comedians – Amy Annette (winner Funny Women Award 2022), Emmanuel Sonubi (nominee 2023 Best Show, nominee 2022 Best Newcomer, Edinburgh Comedy Awards) and Paddy Young (winner Chortle Awards 2024 Best Newcomer).

From the USA and for the first time in Australia, comes Julio Torres with his acclaimed, absurdist comedy hour Color Theories. Having written for SNL, Julio comes hot off directing and starring with Tilda Swinton, Greta Lee and the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA in the acclaimed Problemista (Netflix). Also an Australian premiere, the raw and raucous Desiree Burch (USA/UK), who brings a childlike wonder and crone-like wit to the middle-aged experiences of losing sleep, relevance, knee cartilage, youth and illusions.

Adding to our comics from the subcontinent; Rahul Subramanian returns to Australia with his stand-up show, Who are You? fresh off a sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe; and "one of the hottest talents to emerge from the Indian comedy scene" (Deadant, UK) Sumukhi Suresh comes with her Australian premiere of Hoemonal a show about the quirks and pitfalls of modern romance while battling hormones and the fear of dying alone. 

These artists join more than one hundred Internationals and three hundred Australian comics who have already gone on sale.

Beyond the stellar program of individual shows, the Festival features returning flagship events filled with star-studded line-ups:

The red carpet is rolled out for the biggest nights of Australia's comedy calendar, The Gala, proudly supporting Oxfam Australia and the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow – with Mel Buttle and Michael Hing respectively in charge of hosting duties.

The Gala is sold out, with limited tickets remaining for the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow. Both events will be recorded live at the Palais Theatre and screen later on ABC TV and ABC iview.

Other special events include; the 35th Annual Great Debate; Upfront – this year, hosted by Becky Lucas – a night of stereotype-smashing comedy as the funniest and boldest female and non-binary artists take to the stage; and the Asian Allstars Gala hosted by Takashi Wakasugi (Japan) and featuring a huge lineup of visiting artists and locals from South and SouthEast Asia.

The national grand finals for the Festival’s development programs are always a great way to support new talent and an excellent opportunity to see the next big thing. This year, the Deadly Funny National Grand Final will be hosted by Elaine Crombie and the Class Clowns National Grand Final by Sez. After more than 60 events around the country, RAW Comedy will reveal the national winner for 2025. Always a highlight of the Festival, all National Grand Finals are on sale now.

The full program will be available as a lift out in The Age on Sunday 23 February.

The 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from 26 March to 20 April.

For all tickets and program information, visit comedyfestival.com.au

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back and bigger than ever – featuring a diverse

and dynamic mix of international superstars, beloved Australian comedians, and exciting

emerging talent.

Running from 26 March to 20 April 2025, the Festival promises to be an unforgettable

celebration of comedy. From stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy, line-up

shows, special events, talks and laughter-filled nights out.

International Stars Take The Stage

The Festival is renowned for bringing the biggest international names to Australian stages, and

2025 will be no exception. This year’s line-up includes top-tier acts from the UK, the US and

Asia, delivering fresh, funny material and boundary-pushing performances. Audiences can look

forward to seeing:

● Celebrated comedian, author and honorary Brit, Ruby Wax in her most compelling and critically acclaimed show yet, I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was based on her best-

selling memoir of the same name. Ruby will tour eight-cities across Australia and New Zealand.

● Winner of Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 Best Show for Make Me Look Fit On The

Poster, Amy Gledhill (UK).

● Jin Hao Li (Singapore/UK), whose debut hour Swimming In A Submarine earned him a

nomination for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024.

● 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Award winner Ahir Shah (UK), who will share his

intellectual brand of stand-up featuring a blend of philosophical inquiry, political vigour

and sweet gags.

● Honorary Australian, comedian and novelist Mark Watson (UK) will visit Melbourne,

Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide.

● After a successful Australian debut hour, comedian and football lout Chloe Petts (UK)

will return with a brand new, and personal show, packed with her trademark ladishness

to tell you who she really is (touring to Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney).

UK’s finest confessional comedian Sara Pascoe, hitting Melbourne for the first time

since 2023.

● Brand-manager-turned-comedian and now Indian TV star Rahul Subramanian,

returning to Australia fresh off a sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe for a special limited

season.

● The New Zealanders return in strength - with the likes of Chris Parker, Guy

Montgomery, Guy Williams, Melanie Bracewell, Ray O’Leary, Rhys Darby and Urzila Carlson (Sth Africa/NZ).

Plus more international artists go on sale in the coming weeks including South African-born

comedian and writer Pierre Novellie (Sth Africa/UK), British comedian and TV panelist

extraordinaire Rosie Jones, the charming and easy-going Anirban Dasgupta (India), winner of

the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2023 Urooj Ashfaq (India),

American singer-songwriter Charlene Kaye with her one-woman comedy show Tiger Daughter:

Or, How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame, and a return season for the Festival’s

2024 Most Outstanding Show winner Sarah Keyworth (UK) – including a tour to Auckland,

Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

But the list of international stars doesn’t end there, with Arj Barker (USA), Carl Donnelly (UK),

Danny Bhoy (Scotland), Ed Gamble (UK), Elf Lyons (UK), Iliza Shlesinger (USA), Kai

Humphries (UK), Kemah Bob (USA), Schalk Bezuidenhout (Sth Africa), Sofie Hagen

(Denmark) and more!

Australia’s Best On Show

The Festival will also feature the very best of Australia’s comedy scene, with stars of TV, radio,

and social media joining the fray. Whether you’re a fan of stand-up, satirical commentary, or

absurdist humour, these local artists have you covered:

Alex Ward, Amy Hetherington, Anisa Nandaula, Becky Lucas, Bron Lewis, Cameron

James, Claire Hooper, Daniel Connell, Daniel Muggleton, Emma Holland, Geraldine

Hickey, Gillian Cosgriff, Grace Jarvis, He Huang, Ivan Aristeguieta, Jenny Tian, Joel

Creasey, John Safran, Josh Glanc, Jude Perl, Lizzy Hoo, Lloyd Langford, Lou Wall, Luke

Heggie, Luke McGregor, Michael Hing, Michelle Brasier, Nath Valvo, Nazeem Hussain,

Oliver Coleman, Sammy J, Sez, Suren Jayemanne, Sweeney Preston & Ethan Cavanagh,

Takashi Wakasugi, Ting Lim, Tommy Little, Wil Anderson, Zoë Coombs Marr and more to

be announced!

Special Events

The Festival’s flagship special events return for another year. The Gala, proudly supporting

Oxfam Australia, will kick off 2025 with a showcase of the Festival’s brightest stars at

Melbourne’s Palais Theatre. Then one week later, the Opening Night Comedy Allstars

Supershow will officially launch the Festival with a star-studded line-up featuring comedy

royalty from around the globe. Two of the Festival’s most popular events are back in 2025, The

35th Annual Great Debate and Upfront, a night of stereotype-smashing comedy as the

funniest and boldest female and non-binary artists take to the stage. The second annual Asian

Allstars Gala will present a one-night-only epic showcase featuring extraordinary talent and

irresistible humour from India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and more.

Audiences can also get a peek into the future of comedy with the RAW Comedy, Deadly

Funny and Class Clowns National Grand Finals, featuring the boldest and funniest new talent

from across the country.

But it’s not just the big kids who get to have all the laughs this autumn, the Festival’s kids and

family program will include Comedy Club for Kids running through the Easter holidays, free-

flowing family fun at The (Very) Big Laugh Out in Fed Square, The Listies and more to be announced soon.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the largest and most celebrated comedy

festivals in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Over its 39 years, the Festival

has become a cultural icon in Melbourne, offering a platform for comedians to showcase their

craft and for audiences to experience the best in live comedy from across the globe.

For all tickets, gift vouchers and up to date program information, visit comedyfestival.com.au.