A Theatre Kid’s Guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Part 2

If you made it through part one of A Theatre Kid’s Guide to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, I hope you found a few gems – and maybe even a new favourite!

The festival has now sadly wrapped, but there’s still so much worth celebrating. In part two, we’re diving even deeper into the shows that brought theatrical flair, clever storytelling, and downright brilliant performances to the MICF stage. From Shakespearean chaos to musical parodies, this roundup is for anyone whose heart beats a little faster when the lights dim and the curtain rises.

Let’s take one last look at the highlights worth remembering – and keeping on your radar…

If you’re newer to the comedy festival scene or just want something light, clever, and super accessible, Anisa Nandoula and Geraldine Hickey are both excellent picks. Anisa’s energised storytelling is packed with charm, while Geraldine’s dry wit and warm delivery make her shows feel like catching up with a hilarious old friend. They’re perfect for comedy-curious theatre fans looking to ease in without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re the kind of person who finds musical theatre magic in clever lyrics or adores a good character arc told through song, Flo and Joan’s One Man Musical should be your first stop. Don’t be fooled by the title – this show proves the influence just one man can have over an audience. One Man Musical takes on the grandiosity and melodrama of a certain prolific composer’s catalogue (you know the one – phantoms, cats, sunsets…), crafting a pitch-perfect parody musical that’s both hilarious and oddly heartfelt. It’s clever, theatrical, and an absolute joy – especially if you’re a fan of composers whose names rhyme with Shmandrew Shlloyd Shwebber…

Reuben Kaye’s The Party’s Over is another standout for theatre lovers- especially anyone who swoons for a belted note or a deliciously dramatic monologue. With vocals that wouldn’t be out of place on a West End stage (and a stint as Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar to prove it), Reuben blends storytelling, music, and biting humour into something greater than the sum of its parts. His stage presence is electric, his storytelling heartfelt and hilarious, and the whole show is a full-body experience. If musical theatre and cabaret had a wickedly fabulous baby, Reuben would be it.

One of the most exhilarating things about live theatre is that anything can happen – and with improv, that’s the whole point. These shows thrive on spontaneity, turning audience suggestions into hilarious, heartfelt, or downright absurd performances made up on the spot. Les Improvise captures that thrill perfectly. Every scene is born from audience input, with performers conjuring characters, conflicts, and complete scenarios (sometimes even full musicals) in real time. It’s fast, fun, and full of the theatrical alchemy that makes improv so addictive. Soothplayers: Completely Improvised Shakespeare takes this a step further. The fact that they manage to perform an entire Shakespearean play—with authentic language and rhythm—is astonishing. But what really makes it shine is their deep understanding of the Bard’s work, which lends structure, drama, and richer humour to the piece. It’s a masterclass in both comedy and classic theatre, and every show is entirely new. And if you’re up for something a little more chaotic? Sh!tfaced Shakespeare delivers exactly what the title promises—a delightfully drunken twist on a Shakespearean classic. One cast member is intoxicated, the rest are (mostly) playing it straight, and the result is part theatre, part trainwreck, and all entertainment. It’s the kind of show that reminds you theatre doesn’t always have to be serious to be good. Plus, it’s a testament to the strength of the original text – even tipsy, Shakespeare holds up.

And finally, for a masterclass in chaos and clowning, look no further than Garry Starr: Classic Penguins. With his signature blend of high-energy physical comedy, theatrical absurdity, and just enough sincerity to make the whole thing oddly moving, Garry Starr takes audiences on a wild ride through the world of classical literature… sort of. This is clowning at its most delightful – silly, self-aware, and packed with unpredictable moments that leave you laughing while marvelling at his sheer commitment.

Although that’s it for MICF 2025, the curtain hasn’t fallen on these performers! Whether they’re touring, popping up at your local theatre, or returning for next year’s festival, these artists are ones to watch. Their work blends the best of comedy and theatre in ways that are bold, clever, and full of heart. Keep them on your radar – because when they take the stage again, you won’t want to miss it.