MICF 2026

David O’Doherty returns with a show that sits somewhere between musical comedy and a full-blown rant - and that balance is exactly what makes it work.

Leaning into getting older, O’Doherty reflects on the small things that seem to get more irritating with time, while also trying to make sense of how to appreciate life a bit more along the way.

He’s going high performance; covering everything from recurring dreams to making small changes to save the planet. 

Back in Melbourne for the umpteenth time, he promises an honest performance; equal parts musical comedy and unfiltered frustration, with his signature mix of funny songs and sharp observations. 

Phil Wang is back in Melbourne with new show Uh Oh!, as well a new moustache; embracing life as a homeowner settling into his cool new suburb.

The show leans into the realities of millennial life - trying to stay relevant, navigating adulthood, and realising things don’t quite feel the way you expected they would.

Along the way, he unpacks his thoughts on David Bowie, reveals the unexpected animal behind his fitness inspiration, and delivers a set that balances self-awareness with plenty of laugh out loud moments.

Tom Cashman’s new show NPC (Nearly Proficient Comedian) leans fully into his love of logic, structure and seeing the world just a little bit differently.

Packed with stats, graphs and the need to be right, the show follows Tom taking on the world during his travels. Learn about him going head to head with the ‘Mother of NZ’, his feelings on bird idioms and the various spectrums of confidence throughout life. 

No matter how much you love Tom Cashman, you’ll leave the show knowing there are even more dedicated fans out there - and that’s all part of the fun.

Chris Parker returns to Melbourne with a show built around life getting a little more serious - or at least, that’s the idea. With new responsibilities (including becoming a dog parent), he dives into what adulthood is supposed to look like.

In Take A Good Hard Look At Me, the show follows one very normal February day, told hour by hour, as he moves through his routines, distractions and the overthinking that comes with it. From therapy, to the whimsy of cafes, the feeling of fresh bedsheets, and getting into swimming, it’s a snapshot of everyday life that never quite stays ordinary for long.

Along the way, Parker tackles everything from brands jumping on Pride, to the realities of his own personal life in Central Auckland; tying it all together with a perspective that feels both self-aware and completely unfiltered.

Ian Smith’s latest show Foot Spa Half Empty centres on life finally being on track - and the strange new problems that come with it.

At the centre of it all is his journey to get his semen tested; using it as the thread that ties the show together. Discussing everything from wearing a blindfold, to ski trips; no stone is left unturned as Ian talks with the audience about the past year. 

It’s a shift from past shows - less about stress and more about the quiet pressures of getting older and having your life together. Even if that includes buying a magic spell off Amazon.

In Real Human Man, Michael Hing turns his focus to parenting - or more specifically, trying to work out what you’re actually meant to teach your kid, and how much of it comes from the way you were raised yourself.

Hing takes the time in his latest show to unpack various ideologies about culture, identity, stereotypes and expectations that we navigate through in life. 

Come hear about his weekly zoo visits, the experiences of being the token cultural representative among friends, and why Hing won’t be throwing any tantrums anytime soon. 

In The Evening Muse, Hannah Gadsby steps into something completely different - a Tonight Show-style setup at the Malthouse Theatre, complete with couches, a desk, mannequins and even an applause button telling the audience when to laugh.

Each night brings a different lineup of guests, and for this show it was Abby Wambaugh, Janty Blair, and the duo Ethel Chop and Tina Del-Twist. The format shifts between stand-up, interviews and game show, making it feel more like a live taping than a traditional comedy set.

Hannah is upfront about the goal - to have fun. They describe it as the first time in over 20 years that is their goal, pushing themselves outside their comfort zone (or at least outside the house). From stories about their New York theatre stint to their thoughts on theatre games, the honesty in how they interact with both the format and the audience is what keeps it engaging.

Each night brings a rotating mix of Trivial Pursuit challenges performed live on stage, with prizes on the line for those involved. It’s loose, a little unpredictable, and a reminder that sometimes the best nights out come from not knowing exactly what you’re going to. 

Gillian Cosgriff’s latest show Life, Oh Life takes you on a journey where no two nights are ever the same. Built around getting to know the audience - both new faces and those returning - the show explores life’s bigger questions across past, present and future.

From the latest news cycles to generational divides and doing whatever it takes to support your mental health, the show reflects on how strange life can feel at times, while never losing sight of how good it can be too.

At its core, it’s about connection. Gillian draws on stories and advice collected from past audiences while adding new ones each night; creating something that feels both familiar and completely new. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been part of something, rather than just watching it.

For fans of romantasy, conspiracy theories or just life in general. There’s something for everyone. 

Scout Boxall’s show God’s Favourite centres around one very long night in regional Victoria the night before an important (fake) wedding. Without their medication for the first time in over a decade, their story unfolds hour by hour, reflecting on the night that was. 

With the performance staged as a detailed retelling of the evening and pivotal moments throughout their life, you’ll hear about opinionated psychiatrists, the latest updates in the LARPing community and about trying to navigate life as a perfectionist. 

It’s the kind of show where you’re laughing one minute and then realising you’ve been pulled into something much more personal the next.

And yes, there is a reason Scout is dressed as a nun - but that’s one best left to the show itself.

Catch their show this week - on until April 5. 

Melbourne’s biggest celebration of laughter is rolling out the giggles for kids and grown-ups alike, with a huge line-up of family-friendly entertainment set to take over the city across Easter and the school holidays. From magical mayhem to circus spectaculars and high-energy street shows, the Festival’s beloved kids and family program promises big laughs.

The much-loved The (Very) Big Laugh Out will again turn Melbourne into a giant outdoor playground of comedy for all ages. Returning to Fed Square, and in 2026 expanding to return into the newly reopened City Square, your school break is about to get a whole lot more fun. Packed with world-class street performers alongside stand-up, physical and musical comedy, the program includes, shows will feature Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, Piip & Tuut (Estonia), Dandyman, Geraldine Quinn, The Burton Brothers and more! The free program kicks off the Easter long weekend with two jam-packed showcases on Good Friday 3 April and Saturday 4 April on the Fed Square Main Stage. The laughs then continue across the school holidays with free City Square performances every Friday and Saturday from 10-18 April. Bring the kids to City Square for the show, and stay to check out the newest ‘giant’ icon in the country… our big microphone!

At Melbourne Town Hall, families can experience high-energy spectacle, big laughs and circus brilliance with Circus Oz, plus crowd favourites Mojo & Jimmy and Trash Test Dummies’ wonderous physical comedy and jaw-dropping skills.

Over at Melbourne Museum, kids can dive into a world of imagination and funny storytelling with Aboriginal Comedy Allstars for Kids, Bubble Show in Space and Comedy Club for Kids, alongside returning favourites The Listies bringing their trademark chaos and hilarity.

Meanwhile, ACMI hosts a wonderland of magic, circus and absurdity including the Melbourne debut of Dale Woodbridge-Brown’s Camp Culture – a bold and fabulous circus adventure packed with flips, laughs and big camp energy. ACMI also hosts Barry Potter and the Magic of Wizardry, Playhouse Pantomimes, Signor Baffo, Tricky Nick Magic Show and Winni Wizard and her Magical Smells.

Plus, there are Festival favourites BasketballMan, Larrikin Puppets, The Greatest Magic Show!, Amazing Drumming Monkeys, The Scientwits and so much more.

With almost 50 shows designed to delight kids, parents and anyone who enjoys a good belly laugh, there is – as they say – something for everyone.

Families are encouraged to explore the full kids and family program and plan their school-holiday fun.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from 25 March to 19 April 2026. Full program and tickets available now - visit comedyfestival.com.au

Celebrating 40 Years of Funny – 25 March to 19 April 2026

Australia’s favourite celebration of laughter – the Melbourne International Comedy Festival – returns from 25 March to 19 April 2026, marking a monumental milestone – 40 years of funny.

Get ready for a month-long celebration packed with longtime Festival icons, exciting new voices, international favourites, family fun and non-stop festivities. From intimate bar gigs to packed theatres and late-night antics at the Festival Club, comedy will take over every corner of Melbourne.

A Major Milestone – 40 Years of Laughs

The Festival’s 40th year will be marked by The Big 4-Oh, a one-night-only spectacular bringing together standout comedians from this year’s program and legends from across the Festival’s four decades; an expanded outdoor program taking place at Fed Square; and the return of the Festival’s much-loved comedy short film competition, rebooted for the digital age as Funny Shorts, blending cinematic storytelling with big laughs.

Susan Provan AO, Festival Director, said, “We’re looking forward to celebrating the funny and fearless artists who have bought us four decades of good-times. 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!”

Here’s a little taste of what’s to come in a program packed with hundreds of shows.

International Stars Touching Down

The Festival’s global reach continues to shine, welcoming a stellar line-up of international performers  including Sam Nicoresti (UK) – winner of the 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, and Ian Smith (UK) and Sam Jay (USA) – nominees 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show – plus 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 heaps more to be announced.

Local Legends & Rising Stars

The 2026 lineup celebrates the incredible breadth of Australian and New Zealand comedy talent, 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 heaps more still to be announced.

First Nations Comedy Powerhouses

A strong program of shows from First Nations artists will once again take centre stage including Kevin Kropinyeri, Leon Filewood, Steph Tisdell, Tarsh Jago, Kylan Ambrum and Elaine Crombie – many of whom have come through the Deadly Funny development program.

Family Favourites Return

Little laughers are in for a treat with a huge Easter school holiday program featuring Comedy Club for Kids, The Listies, The Tricky Nick Magic Show, Trash Test Dummies, Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells, Signor Baffo and more. Plus, an expanded (Very) Big Laugh Out outdoor program at Federation Square promises entertainment for all ages – free fun, street performances, and surprise pop-ups to keep Melbourne buzzing with laughter day and night.

Special Events

The Festival's flagship special events return for another year – on sale now and selling fast! The Gala, proudly supporting Oxfam Australia, kicks off 2026 with the cream of the comedy crop at Melbourne's Palais Theatre. One week later, the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow officially launches the 40th anniversary celebrations with a star-studded line-up featuring comedy royalty from around the globe. Tickets are now on sale for the comedy throwdown of the year, The 36th Annual Great Debate, and Upfront, a massive showcase of the funniest female and non-binary comedians from Australia and beyond. The third annual Asian Allstars Gala featuring a sensational cast from India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and more, will be on sale soon.

Audiences can get a peek into the future of comedy with the RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny and Class Clowns National Grand Finals, celebrating the boldest and funniest new talent from across the country.

With hundreds of shows lighting up the city, there’s never been a better time to join the party. Whether you’re discovering new talent, reliving Festival memories, or creating fresh ones, the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the place to be.

For more information and to book tickets visit comedyfestival.com.au 

About the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Launched in 1987, the first Melbourne International Comedy Festival included 56 shows across 33 venues. Over the years the event has grown to be the world’s largest dedicated comedy festival, with a program of almost 700 shows and thousands of performances across more than 130 venues. Annual attendance exceeds 700,000, with live audiences boosted by millions more for nationally broadcast TV and online content. More than a festival, the organisation delivers year-round touring, educational and artistic development programs to support a flourishing comedy industry.