37th Melbourne International Comedy Festival gets under way
More than 7,000 performances ahead...
Melbourne International Comedy Festival today launched its 37th event, boasting more than 600 shows including more than 100 international artists and more than 7,000 individual performances
Visiting acts include Tim Key, Daniel Kitson, Josie Long, David O’Doherty , Paul Foot, Jordan Gray, Liz Kingsman, Joanne McNally, Daniel Sloss, Stephen K Amos, Danny Bhoy and Rosie Jones.
While top Australian names include Sam Campbell, Wil Anderson, Garry Starr, Geraldine Hickey, Alice Fraser, Kitty Flanagan, pictured, and Lano & Woodley.
Festival director Susan Provan said: ‘It’s so great to see a big, wide, world of comedy back on Melbourne stages. The city is alive and there are comedy treats ready for everyone.
‘All our Australian and visiting faves are ready with new shows, and there are loads of exciting new faces too. It’s the very best time and place to support and enjoy live comedy.’
And the Victorian government’s minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos, said: ’Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the most iconic events in Victoria – its impact on our state is serious business. We back this festival because it creates thousands of job opportunities, packs a big economic punch and brings us together for one of the greatest joys in life – to laugh."
Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp added: ‘No other event brightens, and brings as much joy, people and laughter to the City of Melbourne as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
‘Weekend nights of the festival consistently result in the highest spend for both retail and hospitality in our city. And if record attendance at other Melbourne events is anything to go by, this is set to be our biggest festival in years.’
Melbourne International Comedy Festival today launched its 37th Festival - heralding the start of the funniest three and a bit weeks of the year – when comedians descend on Melbourne and queues to laugh curl around city blocks.
Visit the MCIF website for full details of what’s on.
Published: 28 Mar 2023
