27 March - 20 April, 6:00pm

In 2025 Wil Anderson is bringing his completely improvised shows to comedy clubs and festivals around the country. Every night will be a completely different show, made for- and with- the people in the room only. Never to be recorded. Never to be repeated.

Witness one of the fastest comedic minds of his generation for a unique, never to be repeated Festival experience in the intimate surroundings of Melbourne’s favourite Comedy Club – Comedy Republic.

BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WILL SELL OUT TOO QUICKLY.

“Lightning in a bottle” ★★★★1/2 The Sydney Morning Herald, 2022  

“Wil Anderson is a master at finding humanity in the strangest things.” ★★★★ Time Out, 2022  

“Ever-slick, Anderson’s experience shows throughout, from the easy to-and-fro with the crowd to the unlabored structure that subtly underpins the 70 minutes, sending the audience out into the Melbourne streets fully satisfied.” Chortle  

27 March - 20 April, 7:30pm

A new show by Lou Wall about lying, mental-breakdowns and the internet.

Featuring Wall's signature meme-fueled powerpoints, and pop musical comedy, Breaking the Fifth Wall is a forensic and frankly ludicrous deep dive into the space where performance and reality collide.

Nothing and everything is as it seems.

Directed by Zoë Coombs Marr

Winner – Best of the Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival 2024
Nominee – Melbourne Comedy Festival Award 2024

“One-of-a-kind masterwork.” ★★★★★ Time Out, 2024

“One of the most glorious Australian comedy hours in years.” ★★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald, 2024

27 March - 20 April, 8:50pm

Michael Hing attempts to be extremely normal for an hour.

An hour of political and personal comedy from a very sleep deprived man, who is always on the cusp of a mental breakdown.

You know Hing from triple j, The Project or his smash hit podcasts Free to a Good Home or Dragon Friends (where for over a decade he has played a psychotic elf).

“Endlessly funny.” ★★★★1/2 The Sydney Morning Herald  

Every Friday & Saturday, 10:30pm

- - - MAIN STAGE FESTIVAL SHOWCASE - - -
28 March - 19 April, 10:30pm
Friday & Saturday Only

See the festival's best comedians all in one place with our premier Main Stage festival showcase every Friday and Saturday night during Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Get a taste of all the favourite international and local comedians this year's Comedy Festival has to offer with special drop ins from comedy legends as well as rising stars.

Expect loads of spontaneous late night antics from our special co-host combos as they riff together and come up with off-the-cuff comedy gold.

After the show, the fun continues as comedians and punters enjoy a festival nightcap in the bar.

Past guests include Sam Campbell, Guy Montgomery, Michelle Brasier, Aaron Chen, Ed Gamble, Nina Oyama, Zachary Ruane, Rove McManus, Jenny Tian, Randy Feltface, Rhys Nicholson, Wil Anderson, Ray O'Leary, Chris Parker, DeAnne Smith, Lara Ricote, Hot Department, Damien Power, Catherine Bohart, Lloyd Langford, Luke McGregor, Nazeem Hussain, Chloe Petts, Two Hearts and way way more.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival lineups announced daily in venue

28 March - 19 April, 11:59pm
Friday & Saturday Only

Two Hearts (Laura Daniel & Joseph Moore) and their sidekick/shirtless bartender Eli Matthewson are bringing their late night interactive-karaoke party to Melbourne for the first time!

Expect punchy pop tunes, hotfire gags, group singalongs, acceptable (and highly optional) levels of audience interaction, and most importantly - karaoke hits belted out by a slammin’ lineup of Festival acts. Why listen to the original recording of a song, when you could hear it sung live to a backing track by a comedian trying their best?

With rotating guests and constant surprises, no two shows are the same. Don’t miss the latest and loudest event at Comedy Republic this festival—it’s the place to be!

29 & 30 March, 3:00pm

Broadcasting legend Pete Smith (85), comedy mainstay Tony Martin (60) and Raw Comedy winner Djovan Caro (35) talking, laughing and confusing each other – live!

Melbourne International Comedy Festival unicorns unite in two very special 'From The Hideout' podcast recordings. Expect a plethora of film references, show business gossip, generational gaps and maybe even some crooning.

BYO bow ties

Listen Now: https://linktr.ee/fromthehideout

5.0 out of 5 stars from 140+ ratings

“If you love irreverent humour, talk of showbiz past and present, then welcome aboard!'” Darren121, Apple Podcasts  

“Three legends sharing funny and interesting stories - I couldn’t ask for more, I’m truly in podcast heaven!'” brideofthedarkkiss, Apple Podcasts  

“This will quickly build a cult following.'” mattao123, Apple Podcasts  

29 March - 19 April, 4:30pm
Saturday Only

Melbourne's best improv show, starring cast and crew from Ch 10’s television improv juggernaut 'Thank God You’re Here'. It’s long form improv at its finest, with famous faces dropping by each week for a completely improvised and always chaotic performance.

Based off audience suggestion, Something Good makes up a show that is something great and something that will never be seen again.

Past guests include Glenn Robbins, Zoe Coombs Marr, Wil Anderson and Adam Hills. You never know who will turn up, or what they'll do. And neither do they.

Special Guests

Saturday 29 March: Special Guest

Saturday 5 April: Ting Lim

Saturday 12 April: Rhys Darby

Saturday 19 April: Pete Rowsthorn

30 March & 6 April, 4:30pm

An hour of original songs and stand-up for 6-12 year olds

We’re told some words are too rude to mention. Fart, bum, poo. All unspeakable. And when we can’t speak? We sing.

Rude Words You Should Never Say is an hour of original songs and stand-up for 6-12 year olds, but with something for little grubs of all ages. Written and performed by comedian, cabaret artist and former opera singer, Alice Tovey. Through original songs, they’ll explore the history and etymology of words in different musical styles.

More than just a toilet joke fest (though don’t worry, there will be toilet jokes), it’s about saying no to body shame, and owning the parts of ourselves that we may feel uncomfortable about.

Bring your parents, bring your friends, bring a bin because it’s gonna get yucky.

Ticket Prices
Full Price: $29
Concession: $22
Group of 4+
Children Under 12: $16

2 & 9 April, 1:30pm

Ben Russell is a Second City Chicago graduate and has been an improvisor for over 20 years. Ben has been seen on Aunty Donna things, The Grub with Anne Edmonds and Greg Larsen and Thank God You're Here on Network Ten. He is the co-creator of the cult Grouse House web-series Hug The Sun. Ben's namesake show won the Directors' Choice award at the 2024 Melbourne Comedy Festival.

2 APRIL: Improv Workshop for Comedians
Are you a comedian but have always wanted to have a crack at improv or learn how to use improv within your own work? Open to all levels of experience Improv For Comedians is a simple, chill introduction to improv and ways to make it a bit easier. You do not have to identify as a comedian to take part in this workshop, it's just a name, don't be weird about it.

9 APRIL: Improv Workshop for Development
Would you like to learn how to use improv to develop characters, sketch or show? Open to all experience levels, this workshop will focus on the character and structure side of stuff using improv as a jumping off point.

Both workshops do not require one to understand the other, it's just a nice chill time, don't be weird about it.

Tickets are limited!

5 & 6 April, 2:45pm

Australia's biggest and longest running Dungeons & Dragons podcast returns to Melbourne for a strictly limited run.

Join comedians Michael Hing, Alex Lee, Demi Lardner, Edan Lacey & Simon Greiner, as well as their trusty bard Tom Cardy, as they continue to willfully misunderstand the world's most beloved roleplaying game.

With special guest comedians from the festival, this sells out every year, do not miss this event.

First Monday Of Every Month, 7:30pm

Monthly drag bingo with your favourite nans.

Edith Vale, Maureen McGillicuddy and Caroline Springs have been hosting their sold out Granny Bingo night for 9 years. The pandemic almost took them out, but never fear; Caroline doesn't think it's real, so we're back live in the Comedy Republic bar!

And yes, you will actually play bingo! Nanna kisses xx

10 & 17 April, 10:30pm

This is a NORMAL late nite talk show where Mr Larsen will interview people in a natural way and nothing bad is going to happen to anyone.

It's very normal and very human to attend this show and it will just be a normal pleasant experience and it's a very rational decision to come to it and enjoy it.

You are NOT in danger.

Saturday 12 April, 3:00pm

Where good people confess to bad things…in front of a live audience.

Watch two of your favourite comedians squirm as they confess to something they’re not proud of.

Previous guests include Celia Pacquola, Rhys Nicholson, Jen Brister, Maggie Beer, Fern Brady, Joel Creasey, Poh Ling Yeow, Sammy J, Spankie Jackzon, Larry Emdur, Deborah Frances White, Reuben Kaye and many more.

Sunday 13 April, 4:30pm

Frank the mechanic wants your business.

It’s a v busy day at Frank’s garage—lots of cars, clients to juggle, and won’t somebody answer that phone? Oh brother.

This show is a brand new format—a bonzer blend of character comedy and improv—where award-winning performer Hannah Camilleri brings the laconic mechanic Frank to life, alongside a rotating cast of special guests.

Born from Camilleri’s hit live show LOLLYBAG, the unhurried, mustachioed mechanic has charmed audiences at Festival Club, done the rounds at Edinburgh Fringe, and made a pit stop at last year’s 2024 Sydney Comedy Festival Gala.

Now you can spend a whole hour with Frank as he fleshes out his workshop before your blooming eyes, with trusty employees and crusty customers. This is a one-of-a-kind show bringing together masters of improv and seasoned physical comedians for an hour of character-driven comedy. Meet the steadfast mechanics setting the scene and the friends dropping in. At Frank’s odd-bod garage, there’s never a dull moment.

“A tour de force in character work.” Time Out  

“Detailed comic portraiture.” The Guardian (UK)  

Friday 18 April, 3:00pm

Lewis Hobba and Michael Hing, former hosts of triple j's Drive Show Hobba & Hing, and their short lived ABC TV show Hobba & Hing's Best Competition Competition, and current hosts of the Hobba & Hing podcast, now bring their convoluted and indecipherable nonsense to the stage for one afternoon only.

60 minutes of humiliation cubes, the worst dating advice you could possibly imagine, and weird texture-based rules about eating.

Sunday 20 April, 4:30pm

Get ready for a night of absolute chaos, laughter, and unhinged brilliance as YESYESYES COMEDY takes over Comedy Republic again!

This is where Melbourne’s best character, sketch, and clown comedians collide with visiting wildcards in a lineup so stacked it shouldn’t be possible.

Expect the unexpected—absurdity, surprises, and yeah like a unique comedy show. One night only. Please, like it’s fun. If you miss it, you’ll regret it forever (or at least until the next one). YESYESYES COMEDY—say YESYESYES, or you’ll miss out big time.

Line up to be announced.

Returning Wednesday 23 April, 8:00pm.

Something Good is Melbourne's best improv show, starring cast and crew from Ch 10’s television improv juggernaut 'Thank God You’re Here' Ben Russell, Amy Ruffle, Lena Moon and Alistair Baldwin.

It’s long form improv at its finest, with famous faces dropping by each week for a completely improvised and always chaotic performance.

Based off audience suggestion, Something Good makes up a show that is something great and something that will never be seen again. Past guests include Tony Martin, Adam Hills, Virginia Gay and Broden Kelly.

Extended ensemble features Pedro Cooray, Tiana Hogben, Taylor Griffiths, Millie Holten, Tim Hewitt, Kyran Nicholson, Josh Chodziesner and Barney Pollock.

Friday 25 April, 6:00pm

Growing up in a patriarchal family, Prashasti naturally had only one dream - to become a patriarch herself.

Inching towards 40, but pretending to be 30, Prashasti can finally mark this dream complete.

But instead of happiness, she finds herself pondering if the ascent was even worth the price? In her brand new standup show, Prashasti questions all her life choices and meticulously assigns blame to the women and men who shaped her into this being.

Prashasti Singh is a stand-up comic and writer from India. She can be seen on Netflix’s Ladies Up, Comedy Premium League and Amazon Prime Video’s Comicstaan. She has been touring internationally with her last show Man of the House. Her standup special Door Khadi Sharmaaye is available on YouTube.

Tuesday 25 March, 7:30pm, returning Tuesday April 29

New comedians doing their best, and the best comedians doing their new.

Get the crew together for cheap tickets, cheap drinks, cheap laughs. What’s not to love!

Tuesday 25 March hosted by Ben Russell with a secret lineup of Melbourne International Comedy Festival sneak peeks

Saturday 3 May, 6:00pm

Witness the coming (out) of age story of a queer Christian Indian, and the many homes and homos he has wrecked.

Noronha grew up in a conservative catholic family in the suburbs of Mumbai, India. He never knew the exciting world that awaited him post coming out of the closet, stumbling into a world of sexy debauchery that would put his favourite parish priest to shame.

From tackling sexual taboos in India to crazy threesome adventures, this show has it all!

Saturday 24 May, 6:30pm

You may know Michael Shafar from his appearances on Australian TV and radio. But, considering traditional media is dead, it's more likely that you know him from the Internet where he has amassed 120,000+ followers and 100+ million views across social media.

In this dark, boundary-pushing show, he fearlessly weighs into the culture wars and taboo topics that most comedians are smart enough to avoid.

“Shafar circumnavigates the line between edgy and offensive with beautiful finesse.” ★★★★1/2 The Age  

“He’s a brand of comedian that is getting rarer and rarer to come by these days, and if you’re among those who fear comedy has gotten too politically correct, this show will put those fears to rest.” ★★★★ TimeOut  

“Shafar has a disarmingly relaxed approach and an intelligent sense of humour with a wildly inventive, darkly comic imagination..” ★★★★★ The Edinburgh Reporter  

Friday 13 June, 6:00pm

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses impacting 1 in 10 Aussies. Diet culture and unrealistic body ideals have a lot to answer for.

There’s nothing like bonding over shared rage for a good cause! 90 minutes, five comedians, a combined will to free ourselves of diet culture and achieve body liberation… join Rhys Nicholson and friends to F off eating disorders (in a really kind, supportive way).

All funds raised will help Eating Disorders Victoria provide life-changing eating disorder care for free!

This show won’t talk in detail about eating disorders, but if you want someone to talk to call the friendly EDV Hub: 1300 550 236, Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

Ticket price includes a complementary glass of sparkling or soft drink, and some nibbles. Other drinks will be at bar prices.

Friday 27 June, 6:30pm

Callum is moving to London, which no Australian has ever done before.

He's only allowed 25kg of baggage, so he has to leave some of his bulkiest, juiciest material here. And you will get to experience it.

An hour of his best jokes, old and new, just for you.