MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL Announce’s More International Acts

There’s a special buzz in the air when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival rolls around. The city’s laneways start to feel more electric, theatre foyers shimmer with anticipation, and punters begin swapping tips on which emerging artists and global names are guaranteed to spark the biggest laughs. Now, with just eight weeks to go until the Festival launches on 26 March, the organisers have dropped a fresh wave of announcements that promise to dial the excitement up to new heights. From exclusive debuts and returning favourites to star-studded galas and national competitions, this year’s Festival is primed to celebrate the sprawling world of comedy in style.

International Gems Ready To Shine

If you’re an avid theatre-goer with a penchant for sharp wit, you’ll know the Melbourne International Comedy Festival never fails to deliver on international acts. But 2025’s line-up looks particularly enticing, boasting boundary-pushing performers from the UK, the US, and beyond.

Headlining the fresh batch of announcements is Flo & Joan’s ONE MAN MUSICAL, making its exclusive Australian debut at Arts Centre Melbourne. The award-winning duo are behind the music, but the show stars George Fouracres(HBO’s The Franchise, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’s Hamlet) as a larger-than-life musical theatre icon who finally decides to tell his own story on stage. Directed by Georgie Staight (Operation Mincemeat), it promises a comedic spin on backstage drama, peppered with the inventive musical stylings that Flo & Joan have become known for. If you’re up for a witty backstage satire performed by a flamboyant “man of the theatre,” this is likely to be your show of the season.

Meanwhile, the UK comedic invasion doesn’t stop there. Paul Foot—known for his decidedly eccentric style and quicksilver wordplay—returns to Melbourne with a show that’s said to be his “most personal” yet. Audiences can also book in for NEW ORDER, a singular event uniting three of the UK’s rising stand-up stars: Amy Annette, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Paddy Young. All three have made waves across the UK circuit, with accolades including a Funny Women Award win and several Edinburgh Comedy Award nominations. If you’re looking for an up-to-the-minute snapshot of what’s thrilling comedy audiences in Britain right now, NEW ORDER might just be your perfect ticket.

As for the Americans, Julio Torres is heading Down Under for the first time. If his name sounds familiar, you might recognise him from writing gigs on Saturday Night Live or from his surreal comedic style that’s garnered high praise in the States. Expect an absurdist, visually playful hour in COLOUR THEORIES, where everything from his set design to his sharp comedic angles brings new meaning to the word “imaginative.”

Finally, the delightfully raucous Desiree Burch (USA/UK) arrives with an Australian premiere as well. Burch’s comedic style is often described as raw, honest, and occasionally downright risqué. She’s got a knack for infusing childlike wonder into very adult topics—think the slow, comedic meltdown of middle age, losing illusions, and grappling with a body that just won’t keep up with life’s pace.

Comedy From The Subcontinent

Beyond the typical Anglo-American comedic blockbusters, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been cementing its reputation as a global stage for diverse voices. This year, two major names stand out from the subcontinent: Rahul Subramanian and Sumukhi Suresh. If you’ve followed India’s thriving stand-up scene on social media or streaming platforms, these two are sure to pique your interest.

Rahul Subramanian returns with his latest stand-up show WHO ARE YOU? after a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Known for observational comedy that swings from self-deprecation to cultural commentary, Subramanian is the kind of performer who can tie everyday annoyances—like navigating bureaucratic processes or comedic family dinners—into universal truths. Meanwhile, Sumukhi Suresh, crowned by some UK publications as “one of the hottest talents to emerge from the Indian comedy scene,” will present HOEMONAL, a new hour reflecting on the complexities of romance, hormones, and that subtle fear many of us harbour: dying alone. Expect a brash yet relatable set that puts modern dating under the comedic microscope.

Crowd-Favourite Special Events

As always, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has an array of blockbuster events that mark the comedic heartbeat of Australia’s cultural calendar. Two nights in particular stand out: The Gala, proudly supporting Oxfam Australia, and the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow. Mel Buttle will host The Gala—an essential ticket for many fans, given that it’s where festival-goers can sample a comedic buffet of big names and newcomers in bite-size sets. Meanwhile, the Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow sees Michael Hing stepping up to the hosting plate for a jam-packed line-up. Though The Gala is already sold out, there are still limited seats for the Supershow, which will be recorded live at the Palais Theatre and aired on ABC TV and ABC iview later on, so you can relive the magic (or catch it if you miss out on tickets).

Other returning special events include the ever-popular 35th Annual Great Debate, which sees comedians sparring wits over a topical proposition. UPFRONT, this year helmed by Becky Lucas, is where female and non-binary comedians come together for a powerhouse evening of laughter. If you’d like a comedic lens on the complexities of gender and stereotypes, book ahead—this show always sells quickly.

Then there’s the ASIAN ALLSTARS GALA, hosted by Takashi Wakasugi (Japan), featuring acts from across South and Southeast Asia. With comedy continuing to surge in popularity in these regions, you can expect dynamic stand-ups with fresh perspectives that may upend your assumptions of comedic style.

A Launching Pad For Emerging Stars

Many a comedic career has been launched at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For fans looking to see tomorrow’s superstars today, the national grand finals of various development programs are a can’t-miss. From RAW Comedy—the country’s largest and most esteemed competition for stand-up rookies—to Class Clowns, which highlights teenage comedic talent, these events crackle with a sense of possibility.

This year, the Deadly Funny National Grand Final will be hosted by Elaine Crombie, ensuring that First Nations voices continue to be uplifted. Class Clowns’ big day is guided by Sez, offering a platform for tomorrow’s comedic leaders who are right now juggling homework along with punchlines. All up, more than 60 events around the country have culminated in these finals, so you’re witnessing the absolute best of each national cohort. If you enjoy the thrill of discovering new talent, or if you simply want a more grassroots comedic experience, these showcases hold a special place in the Festival’s landscape.

The Full Program Revealed Soon

Keen to plan your itinerary down to the last pun? The Festival has confirmed that The Age will feature a lift-out guide on Sunday 23 February, offering the comprehensive program. With hundreds of local and international comics already on the slate, plus new shows seemingly added by the week, the depth and breadth of this year’s event is nothing short of spectacular.

If you’re the type who loves Australian theatre, note that comedic performance has grown in leaps and bounds here over the last decade—evidenced by the number of local stand-ups enjoying success on Netflix, or crossing over into musicals like HAMILTON and comedic plays in mainstream venues. That synergy between theatre and stand-up becomes even more visible during the Comedy Festival, as fans and performers alike hop from big theatre spaces to intimate clubs. It’s a unique environment where comedic innovators, seasoned veterans, and wide-eyed novices all share the spotlight in Melbourne’s cultural melting pot.

The UK-Australia Musical Theatre Connection

Among this year’s announcements, the show that stands out as a prime example of how comedic performance can intersect with musical theatre is clearly ONE MAN MUSICAL by Flo & Joan. Australian audiences have witnessed an uptick in musicals that incorporate comedic narratives (think EDDIE PERFECT’s Beetlejuice The Musical or Tim Minchin’s Matilda). This synergy points to a growing appetite for comedic theatre where music isn’t just a background flourish but a structural spine carrying a show’s plot and comedic beats.

In ONE MAN MUSICAL, the comedic duo Flo & Joan act as “the band,” while George Fouracres dives deep into his flamboyant musical theatre persona, satirising the concept of a stage star whose ego knows no bounds. Given the success of Operation Mincemeat in London, and the comedic synergy of Flo & Joan’s music, local fans can expect a production that merges genuine comedic craft with irreverent homages to the West End. For theatre buffs, the excitement is real—this is precisely the kind of fresh comedic approach that can revitalise the form.

Eagerly Anticipating A Mega Month Of Laughter

It’s almost tradition that as soon as summer fades, Melbourne readies itself for the comedic chaos that the Festival brings. Whether you’re more interested in a whimsical comedic musical, an intimate stand-up show in a hidden laneway bar, or a grand gala with marquee names, the options can feel dizzying. That’s part of the fun, of course—strolling from one show to the next, stumbling upon comedic gold from a performer you’d never heard of, or forging new comedic obsessions because you took a leap on an unknown name.

If you’re already sold on the Festival’s allure, your best bet is to snap up tickets to your must-see shows before they sell out—particularly the special events. And if you’re curious but still on the fence about which shows best suit your comedic palate, the upcoming program lift-out in The Age might be your best guide. Alternatively, the joy of spontaneity is also real: sometimes the best comedic discoveries come from booking a seat last-minute and being surprised by a fresh comedic voice.

A Bright Future For Melbourne’s Laughter Scene

As the official countdown to 26 March continues, there’s no denying the sense of anticipation that’s rippling through the city. With major draws like ONE MAN MUSICAL, COLOUR THEORIES, and comedic stars from the UK, US, India, and beyond, the festival reaffirms Melbourne’s position as a global hub for performing arts. And for local artists—whether they’re established headliners or brand-new faces vying for RAW Comedy’s top prize—the event offers a priceless spotlight to share their craft.

Ultimately, the biggest winner is the audience: that diverse, laughter-loving crowd who come from all corners of Melbourne and far beyond, ready to be entertained, challenged, and occasionally set into fits of giggles. Comedy, after all, has a knack for bridging gaps, and what better place to see that spirit alive than in the heart of a city famous for its theatres, coffee culture, and love of a good pun?

Laugh Your Way Home

When the dust settles, you’ll have a month’s worth of comedic memories—those jokes that hit so close to home you choke on your drink, those surprising musical moments that leave you humming a comedic tune, and the grand galas that make you feel like you’ve brushed shoulders with comedy’s elite. That’s the essence of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival: a joyous, sprawling celebration that leaves you with a lighter heart, a broader perspective, and an urge to come back for more next year. So, ready your diaries, sharpen your sense of humour, and brace yourself for a spectacular, laughter-filled ride through some of the finest comedic talent on the planet. The world will be watching—and giggling—along.