Melbourne Comedy Festival starts today

The 20th Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off  today, with hundreds of comedians descending on the city.

Organisers predict ticket sales will be up on last year’s AU$5million (£2million), despite fears of ‘festival fatigue’ following the Commonwealth Games in the city.

The 25-day event already sells more tickets than any other Australian festival.

International acts visiting this year’s event include Danny Bhoy, Demetri Martin, Jason Byrne and Daniel Kitson.

While local acts include former Perrier-winners Lano and Woodley, making their last ever appearance as a double act, and Tim Minchin, pictured, who won the Perrier best newcomer award at Edinburgh last year.

But the bulk of the shows are from emerging Australian acts.

Festival director Susan Provan told Australia’s 7 News: ‘All comedians have to start somewhere… I think one of the best things about this festival is the excitement of discovery.

‘You can plunge in, close your eyes and point your finger at a few things you've never heard of ... and it's quite possible you'll be able to say you saw the first season of someone who in a few years is going to be really famous.’

The city’s Lord mayor, Jon So, said: ‘I always enjoy having a laugh at the shows. Melbourne is such a vibrant city. People take the jokes from the comedy festival back to the trendy bars and cafes. They laugh all the time. It adds a bit of spice to life.’

>> Chortle's Melbourne Festival microsite

Published: 12 Apr 2006