Cheeky and loud, black and proud!

Deadly Funny is Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s national comedy competition unearthing the freshest and funniest First Nations talent from across the country.

Heading into it's 20th in year, Deadly Funny has propelled stars like Steph Tisdell, Kevin Kropinyeri, Andy Saunders, Janty Blair, Shiralee Hood, Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie, Jay Wymarra, Leon Filewood, and Sean Choolburra to great heights, both as participants and mentors. You could be the next comedy sensation!

Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over the age of 18, participation is free, and all you need is five minutes of funny material. Whether it's stand-up, musical, sketch, physical, dance, character-based, or simply sharing a funny yarn, the stage is yours!

All participants are given an opportunity to sit with a seasoned professional comedian in a two-hour workshop prior to events to help refine ideas before unleashing their talent onstage.

National finalists are selected from events across the country. National finalists win a trip to Melbourne to perform at the Deadly Funny National Grand Final (which is recorded for broadcast on NITV) as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The national Deadly Funny winner receives a massive $3,000 cash prize.