Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns to Malthouse in 2024

Comedy Festival at Malthouse 2024A comedic spectacle is set to take centre stage at Malthouse as Melbourne International Comedy Festival returns with an impressive showcase of 261 performances across five theatres to deliver 22 glorious nights of unbridled entertainment.

Running from 28 March to 21 April, Comedy Festival at Malthouse promises to be an even more uproarious experience for visitors, courtesy of the recent renovations that have taken the venue’s ambiance to brand-new heights.

The recently enhanced space now boasts upgraded indoor and outdoor facilities, guaranteeing a comedy extravaganza in a setting of unparallel comfort and style.

Highlights include the already announced multi-award-winning, Australian comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye, UK stand-up luminary Ed Byrne, rock cabaret musician Geraldine Quinn alongside a host of new additions including: 2023 Pinder Prize Winner Hannah Camilleri, Golden Gibbo Nominee Con Coutis, 2024 Moosehead recipient Alex Hines, Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Rose Matafeo plus loads more.

Heading the line-up is the bold and politically active Australian comedian, singer, and writer Reuben Kaye, who brings his hysterical new show APOCALIPSTIK to the Malthouse stage – a scandalous saga that spans continents, generations, and the political spectrum of the 20th century.

The Passion of Saint Nicholas follows the comedic tale of Geraldine Quinn and her brother Nick, who, after a shared passion for music, took very different paths – one into musical comedy and the other to a ‘normal job.’

Adam McKenzie presents his brand new show Hacked – a hilarious look identity theft, online security and why it’s a really, really bad idea to even open your computer let alone interact with it

Hannah Camilleri’s Lolly Bag was nominated for Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Most Outstanding Show in 2023, clinching the Pinder Prize and a ticket to Edinburgh Fringe. Following a sold out, debut in Scotland and topping it off with a season at London’s Soho Theatre, Lolly Bag returns to Australia for an encore season.

For one night only, Queerstories will celebrate the LGBTQI+ community with humour and heart. Hosted by Maeve Marsden and some of the festival’s best comedians, this story telling event will unveil tales of pride, prejudice, resilience and resistance offering a powerful glimpse into the diverse experiences of the queer community.


Comedy Festival at Malthouse runs 28 March – 21 April 2024. For more information and full program, visit: www.malthousetheatre.com.au/comedy for details. Tickets now on sale!

Image: Comedy Festival at Malthouse (supplied)