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Photo: Nick Roberton

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023: your ultimate guide

With so many comedians to see, we’ve created a handy guide of the top shows to see, the things to do and places to kick-on

Saffron Swire
Written by
Saffron Swire
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Are you ready to laugh so hard it hurts? One of the largest comedy festivals in the world, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) returns this month with a world-class program of 600+ shows across more than 140 performance spaces.

When is Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

Running from March 29 until April 23, you can expect a mammoth line-up of jokesters featuring big international performers like Daniel Sloss, Stephen K Amos, Ed Byrne, Dylan Moran, Mark Watson, Danny Bhoy to Josie Long. As well as local acts and festival first-timers like Anne Edmonds, Geraldine Hickey, Luke Heggie, Lizzy Hoo, Sam Campbell, Michelle Braiser, Will Anderson and many, many more. 

The festivities kick off with the Opening Night Allstars Supershow, hosted this year by Tassie comedian Hannah Gadsby at the Palais Theatre where the biggest and brightest names in comedy will be dressing to impress. Other highlights the open mic competition RAW Comedy, the most prestigious open mic comedy competition; the Deadly Funny National Grand Final, which unearths the freshest and funniest First Nations talent; and Comedy Zone, where you'll find the next generation of side-splitters.

For festival first-timers, it is easy to feel overwhelmed but lucky for you dear reader, we have compiled an ultimate guide for the shows to see, things to do and places to kick on.

What to see what else this city offers? Why not check out the best art exhibitions happening in Melbourne this month.

The ultimate insider's guide to MICF 2023

Meet the comedians

Where to kick-on

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