Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks, alongside renowned comedian Celia Pacquola, unveiled the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Scheduled from March 27 to April 21, the event promises weeks of laughter!
Lineup and Venues
Over 800 performers from across the globe will grace 137 venues, including iconic locations like the Arts Centre Melbourne and Melbourne Town Hall.
Aside from notable Australian comedians like Hannah Gadsby and Wil Anderson they also have tons of comedians from the UK, Mexico, New Zealand, India, and more!
The festival isn’t just for adults; families can enjoy free events like The (Very) Big Laugh Out at Fed Square on Good Friday. Additionally, there are activities like the Comedy Club for Kids and performances by artists like Sean Choolburra, known for his role in Bluey.
Economic Impact
Apart from providing entertainment, the festival contributes significantly to the economy. Last year, it injected $31.3 million into the Victorian economy, benefiting various sectors including hospitality. Moreover, it employs over 350 Victorians in different roles.
Last year alone, they were able to generate £24 million in revenue and had a record high number of ticket sales. This year still hopes that there would hundreds of thousands of people to attend which could mean hundreds of thousands of customers for bars, hotels, cafes, and more.
The Australian Minister of Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, fully supports the festival not only because it provides revenue but simply because it’s fun and provides an avenue for local talent to flourish,
Melbourne International Comedy Festival is not only an iconic major event for our state, it’s one of the top global comedy events – attracting the best and funniest comedians and nurturing our own comedy stars… The Victorian Government proudly backs this festival because it’s fun, it’s a massive platform for our local talent and it stimulates business, visitation and big laughs across the city. There’s no better time to be in Melbourne
Comedy Roadshow and Beyond
Following the festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow will embark on a journey across 26 Victorian locations, spreading laughter far and wide.
Comedians set to make an appearance are Sam Campbell, Zoë Coombs Marr, Nina Conti, Hannah Gadsby, Aaron Chen, Geraldine Hickey, John Kearns, Rose Matafeo, Rhys Nicholson, David O’Doherty, Lara Ricote, Sam Simmons, Celia Pacquola, and last year’s winner Gillian Cosgriff!
Festival Reviewers
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Just like last year’s Funny Tonne initiative where reviewers attend all the comedy shows and with luck could get their reviews published on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Website, this year Artshub, or known on their site as the home of the Australian Arts Industry, would double these reviewers exposure by publishing them on their site as well.
These future comedy critics wouldn’t just have the exposure though, they would be treated to an essentially all question asked and mentoring from Artshub themselves.
Finally Here
Director of the festival Susan Provan AO, simple expresses her excitement with the ongoing festival saying that,
We’re ready for giggles, surprises and brilliant ideas. Hundreds of venue staff are swinging into action to support all our Australian and visiting faves and Melbourne’s bars and cafes are ready to make sure everyone is fed and watered. It’s the best time of year in our beloved city
More information could be found on their site HERE, with complete shows list, dates and venues, deals, tickets and more so check them out and have fun at the festival!
We love ALL things comedy and we’re sure that there are bound to be some standout shows in there and we just can’t wait to hear about them! Speaking of standout comedy shows, join in on the fun here at one of the best comedy clubs in London, Big Belly Comedy Club! We’ve got lots of good food, drinks, and absolutely talented comedians every night of the week!
