Introducing our 2026 International Acts!

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is gearing up for a massive 2026, with an incredible lineup of festival-curated international comedians landing in Melbourne in just under two months. From award-winners and cult favourites to bold new voices making their Melbourne debuts, the 2026 Festival brings together some of the sharpest, strangest and most exciting comedy talent from around the world.

Leading the charge will be Rich Hall (USA), whose acerbic political satire and deadpan storytelling have made him a global favourite and winner of Edinburgh Fringe's Perrier Award. Josie Long (UK), a three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee also returns with a brand-new show exploring extinct, gigantic, charismatic megafauna. Our very own hairy Enya, Ryanair Bublé, and nine volt battery-powered Beethoven, David O’Doherty (Ireland), brings more musical whimsy to Melbourne this season. Next up, Phil Wang (UK/Malaysia) is back with a brand new show and moustache that 'bristles' with wisdom. New Yorker Zainab Johnson (US) returns with a new hour exploring being charitable on dates and a surprising friendship with a wild animal, and Comedy Festival royalty Mark Watson (UK) celebrates a major milestone – 20 years since he first appeared at the festival in 2006. Don't miss him unpacking the last two decades on everything from sin, death and fatherhood to divorce, identity theft, and a truly massive passport problem.

There are plenty more returning faces to see in 2026. Emmanuel Sonubi (UK) returns with a deeply personal  show about surviving heart failure and finding comedy in life’s toughest moments. Ed Night (UK) shares his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show about a penniless adulthood. Lara Ricote (USA/Mexico) returns with an hour of exceedingly surreal, oddball musings, and Sarah Keyworth (UK) is back but with something a bit different – an hour of playful crowd work. Sam Jay (USA) fresh from her best show nomination at Edinburgh Fringe, explores how a black woman who never truly felt a part of her country might grapple with its certain demise. Festival favourite Chloe Petts (UK) returns to take a deep dive into her upbringing at the height of lad culture.

The Festival also welcomes a wave of international artists making their Melbourne solo debuts, including Sam Nicoresti (UK), hot from a Best Show win at Edinburgh Fringe, with a glistening diamond hour of stand-up about love, insanity and the hunt for the perfect skirt suit. Critically acclaimed comedy maverick, Luke McQueen (UK) brings a mischievously funny new show and records his long-overdue appearance on The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast live on stage using artificial intelligence. Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, Ian Smith (UK), brings his critically acclaimed new show about stress, love and buying a magic spell off Amazon.

Not enough comedy for you? Podcast fans are also in for a treat with a live podcast: What Did You Do Yesterday? featuring Max Rushden and David O’Doherty, bringing their beloved podcast to the festival stage.

With all of these excellent offerings, it's time to broaden your horizons and see some comedy from around the world. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast.