Saturday 15 & 22 February, 6:30pm
Saturday 1 March, 6:30pm

Melbourne's best comedians try out their new shit.

We’re peeling back the curtain and shining the light on Melbourne’s best comedians as they test out their freshest material in these lineup shows of our best comedians.

Be the very first to hear jokes that might end up in award-winning shows, Gala appearances, or maybe even straight in the bin.

Expect new bits, scribbled notes, nerves, and a whole lot of laughs from your favourite comedians trying their newest jokes.

UPCOMING LINEUPS

SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY Claire Hooper, Greg Larsen, Sez, Kyran Nicholson & Sean Diao

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY Lizzy Hoo, Mish Wittrup, Bronwyn Kuss, Tim Hewitt & Secret Guest

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY Mike Goldstein, He Huang, Jordan Barr, Carl Donnelly & Stu Daulman

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY Celia Pacquola, Suren Jayemanne, Daniel Connell, Alex Hines & Oliver Coleman

SATURDAY 1 MARCH Ivan Aristeguieta, Kirsty Webeck, Lehmo, Kyran Nicholson & Nicolette Minster

Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 8:00pm

Comedy Republic's signature lineup show!

Main Stage has quickly become our biggest show, selling out on the regular with huge all-star lineups and lively fun-loving crowds. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you can be sure to catch a heap of the best comedians Melbourne and the wider world have to offer.

- - - MAIN STAGE FORMAT - - -

Main Stage (90min show, 5+ comedians, inc interval)
Thursday 8:00pm - $26
Friday 8:00pm - $29
Saturday 8:00pm - $36

- - - UPCOMING LINEUPS - - -

THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY Ray O'Leary, Ben Russell, Kate Dolan, David Correos & Charlie Lewin

FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY Lizzy Hoo, Ben Russell, Kate Dolan, David Correos, Charlie Lewin & Henry Yan

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY Lizzy Hoo, Ben Russell, Kate Dolan, David Correos, Charlie Lewin & Henry Yan

THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY Ivan Aristeguieta, Kirsty Webeck, Ben Searle, Noah Szto, Rose Bishop & Chloe Black

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY Ivan Aristeguieta, Kirsty Webeck, Ben Searle, Noah Szto, Rose Bishop & Chloe Black

SATURDAY 1 MARCH Ivan Aristeguieta, Kirsty Webeck, Ben Searle, Noah Szto, Rose Bishop & Chloe Black

Coming up in March: Ray O'Leary, Takashi Wakasugi, Oliver Coleman, Sez, Jordan Barr, Blake Freeman, Scout Boxall & more

(Lineups are subject to last minute changes)

- - - 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.

Every Tuesday, 7:30pm

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 18 February Takashi Wakasugi, Sammy Petersen, David Correos, Kate Dolan, Dahn Rozario, Lena Moon & Jez Watts

Tuesday 25 February Ray O'Leary, Kirsty Webeck, Sez, Bron Lewis, Tim Hewitt, Angus Gordon & Kru Harale

Tuesday 4 March Ben Knight, Brett Blake, Fergus Neal, Stephanie Hare, Mike McLeish & Special Guest

Every Wednesday, 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.

Wednesday 5 February special guest: Rhys Nicholson

Wednesday 12 February special guest: Kirsty Webeck

Wednesday 19 February special guests: The Burton Brothers

Wednesday 26 February special guest: Alex Hines

Friday 28 February, 6:30pm

Joel Creasey has a new show he wants to trial. Want to come?

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

Friday 7 March, 6:30pm

Award-winning UK gay comedian James Barr in a "unique, genre-defying" (ArtsHub) stand-up hour, fearlessly tackling the aftermath of an abusive relationship—from navigating online abuse from Piers Morgan’s fans to cancelling a flamingo adoption.

Co-directed by Madeleine Parry (Director, Nanette Netflix Special). As seen on Piers Morgan and A Gay and A NonGay podcast. Australian debut.

“A masterclass in queer storytelling” ★★★★★ Metro  

“It’s fascinating to watch someone break the rules of their chosen craft and succeed” ★★★★ Arts Hub Australia  

“Funny and sad, truthful and silly, hurtful and important” ★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine  

Friday 14 March, 6:00pm

Come watch Australia's funniest Asian comedians ranging from professional acts seen on television as well as up-and-coming stars of the local comedy scene.

From strict parents to racism, from the everyday absurdities of life to the political status of Taiwan, no topic is off limits for this 90 minute show of non-stop laughs.

Saturday 15 March, 6:00pm

“My penis hurts.” That was the very first thing Jon's dad said to him upon his return home to Australia after 14 years of nomadic touring: “My penis hurts.”

World renowned comedic storyteller, Jon Bennett (Fire in the Meth Lab) presents his latest show AMERICAN'T, chronicling his wild and chaotic attempt to navigate being stranded in the United States when the pandemic hit. Bennett eventually found himself forced back to rural South Australia, living once again with his conservative, religious & eccentric family.

After over a year trapped with his family, Bennett managed a trip back to the U.S., only to be arrested upon arrival.

PATRON'S PICK AWARD WINNER & SELL OUT SHOW AWARD WINNER (Orlando Fringe, 2024)

“Masterful, hilarious and heartbreaking. AMERICAN’T is a Triumph” Broadway World, 2023  

“Ribaldry to have you reaching for the smelling salts.” The Age  

Thursday 20 March, 5:30pm

Young comedians of Australia, it's your time to take the stage!

Melbourne International Comedy Festival's national comedy competition, Class Clowns, is back to inspire, engage, and elevate teenagers aged 14-18!

Competition heats are held across the country and include a 2-hour workshop with guidance from a professional comedian.

State final winners head to Melbourne for the National Grand Final where they compete for a massive $1,500 cash prize (and a workshop for their school).

To register and find out more head to classclowns.com.au

Friday 21 March, 6:30pm

In a world where podcasts rise and fall like Elon Musk's credibility, News Weakly has defied the odds to hit its 150th episode.

To celebrate, host Sami Shah is taking his satirical swipes and razor-sharp rants to the stage for one night only!

Join Sami as he punches the headlines, weakly, live and unfiltered. Expect all the news you missed, misunderstood, or didn’t care about! There’ll be hot takes on politics, pop culture, and maybe even the correct pronunciation of "nuclear."

It’s part comedy show, part live podcast, and all deeply unnecessary—just like this week’s top story. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just want to hear someone smarter than your uncle tear apart the news, this is the show for you.

Come for the jokes, stay for the existential dread. News Weakly Live—because the news never stops, and neither does Sami.

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  

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

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.

Guests to be announced.

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.

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

Saturday 5 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.

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.

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.

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