Having first kicked off at the dawn of the millennium, Comedy Zone – the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's flagship development program – will this year celebrate 24 years of spotlighting the future stars of comedy.
In 2024, the five hand-picked comics from across Australia include: Frankie Rowsthorn (WA), Henry Yan (VIC), Meg Jäger (QLD), Rapha Manajem (VIC) and William Wang (VIC).
Frankie Rowsthorn has been honing her stand-up craft since the age of 16 and her material has matured with her, now delving into the complexities of navigating her early twenties. She recently appeared on The Amazing Race Australia and is also part of the Triple J weekend presenting crew.
Henry Yan spent 2023 winning the Raw Comedy National Grand Final and demonstrating his talents at the Edinburgh Fringe’s So You Think You Are Funny? Competition. He has a proclivity for silliness and his comedy speaks to the absurdities of everyday life.
Meg Jäger is a high school history teacher who becomes a self-described belligerent bitch by 3pm. She was the Raw Comedy runner-up last year and she’s ready to share her blunt and bittersweet commentary, along with her niche knowledge of World War One.
Rapha Manajem has a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and runner-up status at Raw Comedy 2023 under his belt. He’s dying to tell you about why fidget spinners are due for an imminent comeback and often riffs on his complex family tree.
William Wang discovered his comedic calling when he immigrated to Australia from China seven years ago. After debuting his solo show Unrelatable Funny at Adelaide Fringe in 2022, Wang has gone on to become a rising star of Aussie comedy.
The alumni from Comedy Zone is a testament to its enduring legacy as a stepping stone for comics, and includes the likes of Hannah Gadsby (2007), Aaron Chen (2014), Tom Ballard (2008), Nina Oyama (2015), Luke Heggie (2011), Becky Lucas (2014) and Josh Thomas (2006), plus many more.
Laugh with the next generation of comedy superstars at Trades Hall in Carlton from March 28 until April 21. Get tickets here.
