Guide to the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival

 The Melbourne Town Hall is the heart of the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Image: Alamy. 

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival  

What is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?  

The brainchild of Australian comedians Barry Humphries and Peter Cook, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival started as a way for stand-up comedians to come together. Since then, the festival has turned into one of the biggest comedy events in the world, and the biggest cultural ticketed event in Australia.  

In recent years, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has run for three and a half weeks around the Easter period, highlighting hundreds of local and international comedy and theatre acts at locations around the city.  

Flagship events of the festival include the Opening Gala, The Great Debate, the RAW Open Mic Comedy Competition, and the Oxfam Charity Gala.

When is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

This year, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival will run from Wednesday, 29 March until Sunday, 23 April 2023. 

Who is performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

Must-see acts at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival include Tommy Little’s new show about all the bad ideas he has had in the last 12 months, as well as the comedic duo Lano & Woodley, who try to set sail in a funny rendition of Moby Dick for the masses.

More shows on this year's comedy ticket include ‘Wiluminate,’ the latest from famed comedian Wil Anderson, Geraldine Hickey’s joyful show, ‘Of course we’ve got horses,’ and funny lady Anne Edmonds’ show, ‘Why is my bag all wet?,’ reflecting on her new year of becoming a mum.  

RACV Members save on several events during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, including $10 off full priced tickets to the below performances:

• Anne Edmonds - Why Is My Bag All Wet?: 9, 16, and 23 April 2023
• Tommy Little: 4-6, 9, 11-13, 16, 18-20 and 23 April 2023
• Wil Anderson - Wiluminate: 13, 16, 18-20, and 23 April 2023
• Geraldine Hickey - Of Course We’ve Got Horses: 4, 5, 6 and 9 April 2023

Where is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival being held? 

Melbourne Town Hall is known as the ‘hub’ of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, where there is a designated ticket booth and calendar, and many comedians promote upcoming shows.  

With so many acts, the performers for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival hold their shows at many venues across Melbourne, from large scale shows at big event spaces including the Melbourne Town Hall and the Atheneum Theatre, to restaurants and bars such as Karen’s Diner in Carlton or George’s Bar in Fitzroy.  

Do Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows have accessible services? 

Many of the venues for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are listed as being accessible for entry and viewing, including AUSLAN-interpreted shows and assistive listening loops. 

For individual requirements, contact access@comedyfestival.com.au for assistance regarding accessibility. 

Is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival suitable for children? 

Many shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are family-friendly or specifically for children, with some of these shows performed during the day. Families can choose shows under the ‘Family’ or ‘Kids Comedy’ filters on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website to find shows that are relevant and suitable.

Does the Melbourne International Comedy Festival have a dress code? 

Unless specified, there is no dress code for attending the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, although individual venues may have their own policy.

How can I get to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

Venues for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are dotted across Melbourne.

Plan the most efficient journey to your comedy venue with the free journey planner app arevo. It is recommended that you plan your trip in advance and allow for plenty of time to get to your comedy event. Some ticket holders may plan to attend more than one show in the same evening.  

Where should I eat or drink before or after a show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival? 

Whether you’re heading for a quick bite or a longer dinner after the show to reminisce on the great gags, Melbourne has plenty of options for dining and a post-show drink. 

Take a look at our guide on the best places to eat and drink around Melbourne’s most famous theatres, or if your show is out of the CBD, try one of these famed cultural food hubs around your destination. 

How can I get tickets to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?  

Tickets are available at select ticketing booths around the city, at certain venues, and on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival website. RACV Members can save on a range of shows at this year's festival.