MICF
How this comedian found herself again after she quit Harry Potter
Gillian Cosgriff’s return to comedy after five years and a stint in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has seen her win prestigious awards and critical acclaim.
- by Hannah Story
Latest
Six comedians drive into a country town... no, really
Small towns, big laughs. These headliners are taking comedy on a blindingly funny tour.
- by Daniel Herborn
Opinion
Barry Humphries
In defence of Barry Humphries’ legacy, and the art of comedy itself
Not even Australia’s handful of cultural elders - those who prised open the windows of our stultifying mid-century suburbia to let in fresh air - are spared cancellation these days.
- by Julie Szego
Opinion
Barry Humphries
I owe Barry. I won a Barry. And I was on the board when we voted to rename the Barry
Allow me now to attempt the impossible by defending both Barry Humphries and the festival in 800 words or less without being cancelled myself.
- by Sammy J
‘We have not cancelled Barry Humphries’: Comedy festival rules out renaming award
Director Susan Provan has defended the festival’s decision not to pay an official tribute to the late comedian, but insists he has not been “snubbed”.
- by Karl Quinn
‘I watched him fade, and it was terribly sad’: Friends and fans mourn comedy genius
Barry Humphries’ death on Saturday has prompted an international outpouring of love, and some revisiting of old skirmishes too.
- by Karl Quinn
No tribute to Humphries, says comedy festival, but ‘nothing can detract’ from contribution
Barry Humphries was a key figure in establishing the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but relations soured in recent years.
- by Karl Quinn
Double happiness: Gillian Cosgriff wins two Comedy Festival gongs
In true comedic style, the winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s major award described receiving the honour as “sort of like a nightmare”.
- by Tyson Wray
Comedy Festival
See & Do
Having the last laugh: Comedy you should catch before it’s gone
As the comedy festival enters its final weekend, here’s a round-up of shows to see – including one that is “straight left-wing propaganda” and an interactive video game (of sorts).
- by Sonia Nair, Hannah Francis, Cameron Woodhead, John Bailey, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Tyson Wray, Mikey Cahill, Lefa Singleton Norton and Donna Demaio
Comedy festival
Arts
‘He kissed my boyfriend on the mouth’: The comedy festival’s best moments
One month and over 100 shows later, our team of reviewers has come together to pick out the best (and strangest) moments from this year’s comedy festival.
- by Sonia Nair, Stephen A Russell, Hannah Francis, Vyshnavee Wijekumar, Tyson Wray, Mikey Cahill and Donna Demaio
Opinion
Opinion
Comedy Festival shows should be eligible for a Medicare rebate
According to a Canadian study, we are 30 times more likely to laugh with others than to laugh alone in the privacy of our own homes.
- by Jon Faine