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.