Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Melbourne Comedy Festival is held every autumn, in April, to showcase the local culture and talent of Australia. It also provides a venue for overseas comedians to perform with its huge display of theatre, cabaret, stand-up comedy, street performers, television and radio acts. The festival is a huge hit with locals and tourists. Many venues including comedy clubs host the month-long event. The festival is an open event, allowing anyone to register to perform comedy acts.

The showcase includes the Great Debate, a hilarious battle of wits and The Gala, a very popular comedy event, with both broadcasts on television.

Other displays include Upfront featuring women in comedy, Class Clowns, Comedy Channel Short Film Festival which celebrates the art of film and comedy. The Big Laugh Out, Festival Club, Raw Comedy and Festival Roadshow, all present the best in comedy.

The Melbourne Comedy Festival is one of three big comedy events held worldwide, including Edinburgh Fringe Festival and another held in Montreal. Barry Humphreys founded the original festival in 1987 with Peter Cook. The Barry Awards recognises the festival's stand-out acts with an awards ceremony held during the exhibition.

Melbourne is the cultural and artistic city of Victoria, with many festivals occurring over the year, including Food and Wine and Arts Festivals providing great displays of local food and talent. International acts travel to Melbourne annually to participate in the Comedy Festival's world class comedic showdown. The festival guide highlights performances and venues over the entire season. So grab a guide and prepare for a good laugh.

Featured Accommodation

• Southbank, Melbourne

Langham Hotel Melbourne

• Spring Street, Melbourne

Mercure Hotel Melbourne