Not sure what to see at the MICF? Here’s how to make it a two-course comedy feast
The babysitter has been booked. The group chat has finally settled on a night where everyone is free. Date night is in the calendar.
You’re heading out to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and I’m here to tell you that the only thing better than a night out seeing your favourite comedian is taking a chance on finding a new favourite and getting a one-two punch by catching a comedy double feature. A two-course comedy meal should pair the familiar with the allure of the unknown, something that complements your reliable favourite with a different flavour. Make it affordable by getting the gang together for group booking discounts, catching a preview show during opening week (March 26-31), taking advantage of Tightarse Tuesday prices or purchasing a Laugh Pack where you’ll receive a discount for booking three or more shows.
Here are some recommended pairings at the festival this year.
Ruby Wax (left) and Geraldine Quinn.
BIG NAME: Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax, legend of comedy and star of stage and screen, will be in Melbourne for two nights only. Her show I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was is based on her bestselling book, and promises to be both wild and vulnerable. I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was, Comedy Theatre, March 29 and 30 March, $42-$52
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Geraldine Quinn
Another larger-than-life performer, Australia’s own Geraldine Quinn is perhaps the only performer who can match Wax’s stage presence and drama. This is her 20th year at the festival, in which time she’s been nominated for Most Outstanding Show and won the Golden Gibbo award for local independent shows in 2011. Bastard Joy promises to be another excellent offering. Bastard Joy, Motley Bauhaus, March 25 to April 6, $21-$29
Wil Anderson is doing an improvised show this MICF. Keep the vibe going with the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars.Credit: Edwina Pickles
BIG NAME: Wil Anderson
Anderson is a five-time winner of the People’s Choice Award (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015), a feat unequalled by any other performer. He’s equally loved for his work on radio and as host of The Gruen Transfer. Yep, he’s an Aussie comedy icon. This year he is performing an improvised show, promising to be completely different in a never-to-be-repeated style each night. Whatchu Talkin’ ’Bout Wil? Comedy Republic, March 20 to April 27, $39-$49
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Aboriginal Comedy Allstars
On April 12, you can follow Anderson’s show with a one-off performance by the Aboriginal Comedy Allstars, where you may discover your next favourite Aussie comedy icon. It’s a five-star show with Andy Saunders, Elaine Crombie, Janty Blair, Jay Wymarra, Kevin Kropinyeri and Sean Choolburra ready to create comedy gold. Capitol Theatre, April 12, $40-$45
Joel Creasey is ready to deliver the laughs at the 2025 MICF. Once you’ve enjoyed his show, head across to Queerly Beloved.
BIG NAME: Joel Creasey
You might know him from the radio or television, but did you know Joel Creasey has been killing it at the festival for 15 years? Expect his show to be a little less G-rated than his usual airwaves persona, but with the same sass. Thanks for Being Here, Max Watts, March 27 to April 20, $35-$45
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Queerly Beloved
If you’re going to Creasey’s show on a Friday or Saturday, you can make it the ultimate evening out by heading to late-night cult sensation Queerly Beloved, a show featuring the best LGBTQIAP+ talent from the festival, with a different line-up every night. Melbourne Town Hall, March 28 to April 19, $25-$30
If you’re a Tommy Little (left) fan, you’ll love Jenny Tian (right).
BIG NAME: Tommy Little
Little and co-presenter Carrie Bickmore dominate the radio airwaves with their Hit Network show Carrie & Tommy, and he regularly sells out his live stand-up shows. Little’s high-energy performance paired with his self-deprecating style return to Melbourne this year. I’m Not Proud,
Comedy Theatre, March 27 to April 20, $35-$49
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Jenny Tian
Jenny Tian is a perfect match with her upbeat, cheeky stylings. They’re both born storytellers who can have you invested in any anecdote, and Jenny’s Travels will mine the rich material of her move to London to keep the stories rolling. Jenny’s Travels, Melbourne Town Hall, March 27 to April 20, $25-$34
Begin your double bill with Lou Wall (right) then head across the road for Sammy J.
BIG NAME: Sammy J
Is there anything Sammy J can’t do? Radio host, author, viral musical sensation with 30 million views on his online clips (and counting). He’s a national comedy treasure who never rests his laurels on whatever wonderfully weird thing he most recently bestowed upon us. His 2025 show is described as a time-bending memoir. The Kangaroo Effect, Athenaeum Theatre, March 26 to April 6, $35-$48
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Lou Wall
On Sundays, you can skip straight across the road to Sammy J’s show after seeing Lou Wall’s Breaking the Fifth Wall. Both performers share a bent for the absurd beautifully explored through musical numbers and multimedia performances. Sketch, standup and songs are woven to bring out maximum laughs. Breaking the Fifth Wall, The Westin, March 27 to April 20, $28-$35
Urzila Carlson (left) and Annie Boyle (right) are brilliantly complementary.
BIG NAME: Urzila Carlson
Melbourne loves Urzila Carlson. She’s won the People’s Choice Award three times, (2019, 2022, 2023) and appeared on The Gala with her unique brand of sarcasm and deadpan delivery. This limited run of 10 shows will undoubtedly sell out. You Don’t Say, Palais Theatre, April 1 to 13, $41-$61
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Annie Boyle
If she’s on your list again this year, also head to see Annie Boyle who takes Carlson’s deadpan style to a whole new level. Where Carlson is cheeky, Boyle veers to a delightful darkness – a chef’s kiss pairing. Smooth Criminal, The Westin, March 27 to April 6, $25-$32
If you’re heading out to see Sara Pascoe (left), add Han Arbuthnott (right) to your agenda.
BIG NAME: Sara Pascoe
Sara Pascoe has already had to add extra dates for her 2025 season of I Am A Strange Gloop. She’s a regular on UK panel shows, has published multiple books and released her television comedy special, Live at the Apollo. Pascoe’s stand-up is about the imperfection and anxiety of, well, everything. Hard not to relate. I Am A Strange Gloop, Melbourne Town Hall & Max Watts, March 27 to April 12, $30-$40
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Han Arbuthnott
If you’re seeing one of Pascoe’s late shows from April 8 to 10, sneak in an early show like Han Arbuthnott’s They/Hehe. Pascoe and Arbuthnott both use disarming smiles to deliver unexpected segues, using their affable personas to lull the audience into a false sense of security while lobbing a savage take. Arbuthnott is an emerging talent who somehow seems as at ease on stage as seasoned professional Pascoe. They/Hehe, Melbourne Town Hall, March 27 to April 6, $18-$28
Get your fix of Michael Hing (left) and then head over to see Sashi Perera (right) and her brilliant guests.
BIG NAME: Michael Hing
Miss seeing Michael Hing on The Project or listening to his triple j Drive Show? Here’s a chance to get a full hour of his material live with Get in the Submarine. Hing owns the stage with political takes and personal stories.
Get in the Submarine, Comedy Republic, March 27 to April 20, $28-$34
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Sashi Perera
If you’re hungry for more clever comedy with a political bent, Sashi Perera can be counted on for both. In her 2025 show, Sashi and Friends, some of her favourite comedians will be joining her on stage. Perera has built a reputation for curating smart comedy with her series, Sashi Perera’s Night School, so this promises to be a treat. Sashi and Friends, Coopers Inn, March 26 to April 6, $27-$32
Nish Kumar is back for the 2025 MICF. Why not drop into the festival bar to keep the night going afterwards?
BIG NAME: Nish Kumar
Selected as one of the 50 Best Comedians of the 21st century by both The Telegraph and The Guardian, Nish Kumar is a regular on BBC television and radio, and co-host of hit political podcast Pod Save the UK. Kumar specialises in sharp political commentary delivered at speed and with precision, proving satire isn’t dead in the right hands, even in these dire times. Don’t Kill My Vibe, Arts Centre Melbourne, April 8 to 20, $53
TAKE A CHANCE ON: MICF Festival Club
Honestly, after a night of blistering political takes at his Don’t Kill My Vibe show, you’re going to need a drink and a distraction. Head straight to Festival Club, where every night you’re guaranteed to see a selection of the festival’s finest letting loose with late-night shenanigans and high jinks, followed by DJs and dancing at the weekends. Max Watts, March 26 to April 20, $10
Rosie Jones and Anisa Nandaula are perfect to enjoy as a double bill on the same night.
BIG NAME: Rosie Jones
Rosie Jones’ first year in Melbourne in 2023 earned her a nomination for Most Outstanding Show, and she’s built a loyal following from television appearances, including Taskmaster UK, 8 Out of 10 Cats and hosting panel show Out of Order. An hour of live stand-up from Rosie Jones is brash and irresistible. I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying, Melbourne Town Hall, March 27 – April 20, $29-37
TAKE A CHANCE ON: Anisa Nandaula
Who does that remind me of? Australian-Ugandan Anisa Nandaula, whose cheerful persona delivers wickedly funny material like a smiling assassin. Pair these two together and you won’t regret it. You Can’t Say That, Vic Hotel and The Westin, March 27 to April 20, $25-$30