Tragedy on opening night of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival's opening night gala was abandoned mid-show when one audience member collapsed with a fatal heart attack.

The Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow at the 2,800-capacity Palais Theatre in St Kilda was halted just three acts in  following what was originally described as a 'medical emergency'.

It's since been reported that a man suffered a suspected heart attack in the circle and died at the scene.

It is understood the show carried on for some time while attempts were being made to revive the man, as the comic on stage was unaware of what was going on.

One audience member posted online: 'Very poor that the show continued for 15mins while compressions took place with only patrons yelling to stop the show whilst crew attended to the person.' 

Another told Daily Mail Australia: 'People started to get up and leave. I saw people in tears and comforting each other. No one was laughing or paying real attention to the stage, maybe only to see if someone would come out and stop the show.

'The public and paramedics were there for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the dark doing CPR before the show stopped.'

Festival organisers said: ‘Melbourne International Comedy Festival regrets to confirm that there was a medical emergency while the Opening Night Allstars Supershow was taking place this evening at the Palais Theatre. The show was stopped and cancelled. The Festival will be in touch with all ticket holders tomorrow.’

The gala was hosed by comedian Michael Hing (pictured) and showcased some of the 1,000 performers taking part in 690 shows being staged across the city over the next three-and-a-half weeks.

Published: 26 Mar 2025