What is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival?
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, held each autumn in Melbourne. It began in 1987 and features hundreds of shows by local and international comedians.
The festival was launched in 1987 by Barry Humphries and the British comedian Peter Cook. It has grown into a major cultural event, attracting large audiences each year.
The festival hub is based around the Melbourne Town Hall, with shows also staged in theaters, bars and other venues across the city. The program includes stand-up, sketch, cabaret, improvisation and children's shows.
Launching careers
Many famous Australian comedians, including Hannah Gadsby, Wil Anderson and Judith Lucy, have performed at the festival. It has helped launch careers in Australia and internationally.
The Barry Award, named after Barry Humphries, is given to the best show at the festival. There is also the Golden Gibbo, named after comedian Lynda Gibson, for an independent show with heart.
The festival's televised Gala, held at the Palais Theatre, raises money for charity and is a popular annual broadcast. Many international comedians perform at the festival before taking their shows to Edinburgh and Montreal.
Did You Know?
The festival also runs Class Clowns, a comedy competition for school students.