Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny and RAW winners announced

Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Deadly Funny National Grand Final took place at Arts Centre Melbourne on Saturday 11 April. Hosted by First Nations comedian (and 2017 Deadly Funny winner) GHENOA GELA, 11 Deadly Funny national finalists took the stage – Arika Appleby (QLD), Cagney Ah-Mat (QLD), Constantina Bush (NT), Daisian Taylor- Milera (SA), Diat Alferink (QLD), Eisha Anderson (SA), Gary Hamaguchi (WA), Birriga (NSW), One Silly Ring (WA), Rene Simpson (QLD) and Sermash Bin Saad (VIC).

One Silly Ring from Western Australia was awarded first place for their unique set, while Gary Hamaguchi (WA) and Birriga (NSW) were given a special commendation.

Deadly Funny is Australia’s only dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedy competition. Part of a suite of development programs created by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival which run year-round, the Deadly Funny competition is dedicated to discovering and amplifying voices from First Nations performers across Australia. Deady Funny has crossed the continent with workshops and regional showcases, unearthing fresh, new comedy voices and yarn-spinners from the oldest culture on earth and presented them to the widest possible audience.

As the winner of Deadly Funny, One Silly Ring joins the ranks of the country’s favourite First Nations comedians including previous winners and alumni Kevin Kropinyeri, Steph Tisdell, Andy Saunders, Janty Blair, Ghenoa Gela, Jalen Sutcliffe and Shiralee Hood, who have all gone on to stellar careers performing around the country.

The 2026 Deadly Funny tour visited 20 locations across the country, delivering workshops to over 70 participants and showcases to hundreds more.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s other development programs include RAW Comedy and Class Clowns.

Season Details

Venue: Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Date: 25 Mar– 19 Apr 2026

For more information click HERE