Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s 2025 program led by global stars

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is gearing up for a massive return in 2025, promising a diverse and dynamic program that celebrates the best in comedy from around the globe.

Running from 26 March to 20 April, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will feature international icons, Australian favourites, and emerging comedic voices, offering audiences a month of unforgettable entertainment.

With stand-up, sketch, improv, musical comedy, and family-friendly acts on offer, the festival continues to solidify its reputation as one of the world’s premier comedy events. From established stars to fresh talent, this year’s lineup reflects the festival’s commitment to diversity and excellence in comedy.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025

• Running from 26 March to 20 April 2025
• From stand-up and sketch to improv and musical comedy, line-up shows and special events
• Over its 39 years, the Festival has become a cultural icon in Melbourne

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.

International comedy heavyweights take the stage

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is known for attracting the world’s top comedic talent, and the 2025 program delivers an exceptional mix of global stars. Key highlights include:

• Ruby Wax, presenting her critically acclaimed show I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, based on her best-selling memoir. The celebrated comedian and author will also tour eight cities across Australia and New Zealand.
• Amy Gledhill, winner of the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show with Make Me Look Fit On The Poster.
• Jin Hao Li, whose debut hour Swimming In A Submarine earned a Best Newcomer nomination at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024.
• Ahir Shah, bringing his intellectual and political brand of comedy, filled with philosophical musings and sharp wit.
• Mark Watson, the honorary Australian comedian and novelist, visiting Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide.
• Chloe Petts, returning after a successful Australian debut hour with a brand-new show exploring identity and her trademark humour.
• Sara Pascoe, marking her first Melbourne performance since 2023.
• Rahul Subramanian, the Indian TV star and comedian, arriving fresh from a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe season for a limited run.

The program also includes a stellar lineup of returning favourites and rising stars, such as South African-born comedian Pierre Novellie, Rosie Jones, Urooj Ashfaq, Charlene Kaye, and Sarah Keyworth. Additional global acts include Arj Barker, Iliza Shlesinger, Danny Bhoy, Ed Gamble, Sofie Hagen, Schalk Bezuidenhout, and Kai Humphries, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Spotlight on Australia’s best comedians

Australian comedians will take centre stage, with some of the country’s biggest names and brightest rising stars delivering diverse performances. Audiences can look forward to acts by Geraldine Hickey, Wil Anderson, Zoë Coombs Marr, Tommy Little, Michelle Brasier, and Nazeem Hussain, alongside emerging voices such as Gillian Cosgriff, Jude Perl, He Huang, and Grace Jarvis.

Whether you’re into stand-up, satirical commentary, or absurdist humour, the festival’s Australian contingent promises something for everyone.

Signature events return

Several iconic events will return in 2025, cementing the festival’s status as a major cultural celebration. Among the standout occasions:

• The Gala, supporting Oxfam Australia, showcasing the festival’s brightest stars at Melbourne’s Palais Theatre.
• The Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow, an extravaganza featuring comedy royalty from across the globe.
• The Great Debate, where comedians tackle thought-provoking topics with wit and humour.
• Upfront, a bold showcase of female and non-binary comedians.

The Asian Allstars Gala will also return for a one-night-only event, celebrating comedic talent from across Asia, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

In addition, the RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny, and Class Clowns National Grand Finals will provide a platform for Australia’s boldest new talent, highlighting the future stars of comedy.

Fun for all ages

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival ensures there’s something for everyone, including children and families. The kids’ program includes Comedy Club for Kids during the Easter holidays and The (Very) Big Laugh Out in Federation Square. Acts like The Listies and other family-friendly performers will round out a program designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

As one of the largest and most celebrated comedy festivals in the world, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has become a cultural icon in its 39-year history. The event attracts thousands of visitors annually, showcasing Melbourne as a global hub for live comedy.

With more announcements expected and tickets already on sale, the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is shaping up to be one of its biggest years yet.

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

Words by Staff Writer