As Melbourne transforms into the comedy capital of the world from March 26 to April 20, 2025, JOY is proud to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ comedians taking centre stage at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
This iconic event, now in its 39th year, brings together a diverse array of local and international talent, offering something for every comedy enthusiast.
Among the lineup are some exceptional LGBTQIA+ comedians who are sure to captivate audiences with their unique perspectives and humour. In this feature, we highlight some of the must-see LGBTQIA+ comedians you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.
Homecoming
Carmelo Costa
April 8-20 at the Coopers Inn and Grouse Melbourne
Following sold-out shows like Belligerent, Gay Horseplay, and his debut solo Sloppy Toppy, Carmelo brings an hour of gay, sardonic stand-up exploring family dynamics, past rental horrors, sex, relationships, and mental health. His latest show, Homecoming, humorously tackles the challenges of moving back in with parents in your 30s, making it a degrading yet hilarious experience. This marks his fourth year at the festival, where he continues to entertain audiences with his unique perspective.
Girt by Sea
Jessica Budin
March 25-30 at The Butterfly Club Downstairs
“Girt By Sea” is a mockumentary that dives into the world of Girt, Australia’s greatest swimming coach, as she fights to save her unorthodox swimming school in Convict’s Lunge from closure. Alongside her supportive husband Birt and anxious daughter Joy, Girt employs outrageous tactics – from blackmail to stalking – in this whirlwind comedy that celebrates family, community, and aqua aerobics. Devised by a majority non-binary and queer cast and crew, this show offers a unique and hilarious perspective on the lengths one will go to protect their passion.
A Chance to Address the Amish Rumours
Stephanie Hare
March 25 – April 6 at The Butterfly Club
Stephanie Hare, the 2024 RAW Comedy National Runner-Up, brings her unique perspective to the stage with “A Chance to Address the Amish Rumours.” Growing up off-grid in rural Tasmania without modern conveniences, Steph’s upbringing was anything but ordinary—her family’s antics included finger-knitting goat harnesses and midnight sheep shearing. Now, at twenty-three, she reflects on this quirky childhood and her transition to city life in Melbourne, weaving together the absurdity of rural life, the chaos of being a twenty-something, and her newfound love for Instagram reels.
Dysfunctional Family Jukebox
Freddie Arthur
April 8-20 at Wheat, Wine & Whisky
Freddie used to think she had a normal family. Now she’s letting all the skeletons (& herself) out of the closet. Come meet Mum/Terri, the homophobic closeted lesbian; Dad/Wayne, the violent hopeless romantic; and Cousin Mike, the public masturbator. Through dark comedy and the weirdest all-original tracklist you’ve ever heard, Freddie will expose her family’s deepest secrets. Songs include ‘Smacking My Kids’ and ‘I Know I’m A Good Mother Because My Children Aren’t Gay.’ If you’ve ever wanted to feel better about your own relations, come meet Freddie’s Dysfunctional Family Jukebox.
Actually Kinda Hot
Chris Demos
April 7-20 at The Butterfly Club
Chris Demos, a standout in Melbourne’s comedy scene and former RAW Comedy Victorian State finalist, returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with his show Actually Kinda Hot. This hilarious exploration delves into the nuances of being “kinda hot,” a compliment often delivered with surprise rather than sincerity. Chris tackles a range of quirky topics, from struggling with boots to eating old fast food on planes, and even Judy Judy and Judi Dench. Following sell-out shows like Casual Luxury and Legs in the Pool, Chris brings his signature humour to this year’s festival, promising an entertaining ride through the absurdities of life.
Purple is the Gayest Colour
Alayne Dick
March 26 – April 6 at Tasma Terrace 4
Come see Alayne’s comedy show about growing up queer in rural New Zealand, reading fanfiction on dial-up internet, being a walking stereotype (a librarian with terrible eyesight who is very hot) and finally, becoming a Bunnings gay. A show for hot gays and allies to hot gays. Also, come hear a dick joke you’ve never heard before. This show debuted as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival and sold-out before it opened. People from high school came and Alayne didn’t even feel weird about it.
Burns Bridges Live On Stage
Jake Howie
March 27 – April 6 at The Westin
Jake Howie has spent his life as a yes man. A doormat. A people pleaser. And at 40 – he’s done. He’s ready to air his grievances by doing the things he shoud’ve done, saying the things he should’ve said and burning the bridges he should’ve burnt. This show is Kill Bill, but his tounge is the machete. Taken, if Liam Neeson were gay and it’s self-respect that went missing. Basic Instinct with jokes, but still without knickers… (a promise) Join this award-winning comedian as spills the tea by unleashing the rage within, decade by decade. From his teen years being kind to crazy Christians to smiling politely through disastrous dates in his 20s to apologising to corporate bullies in his 30s, Jake is no longer trying to make nice. And no one is safe.
Glass Houses
Alice Tovey
March 25 – April 6 at Storyville Melbourne
Alice Tovey’s show Glass Houses is a poignant love letter to family, exploring how love prevails even amidst challenging circumstances like the prison industrial complex. Just before her wedding, Alice’s father returned home from prison, leading to a cancelled ceremony and a journey of self-discovery. Through stand-up, storytelling, and original song, Alice shares a deeply personal narrative involving budgies, a diagnosis, and a chef, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding that our parents are human too. As a multifaceted artist, Alice is known for her work as a cabaret performer, filmmaker, and writer, contributing to shows like Gruen and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Granny Bingo
Edith Vale & Maureen McGillicuddy
April 7th at Comedy Republic
Join the hilarity as the old dames of Australian drag bingo bring their signature sass back to Comedy Republic for their monthly bingo night. Edith Vale & Maureen McGillicuddy have been hosting Granny Bingo for ten years. It’s an hilariously inappropriate evening of bingo where bingo is the last thing on anyone’s minds! These foul-mouthed nanas will have you falling over with laughter – unless their hips give out, then they may just beat you to the floor.
Meander
Geraldine Hickey
March 27-April 20 at the Arts Centre Melbourne
Geraldine Hickey’s show “Meander” at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival invites audiences on a humorous journey of self-reflection and everyday observations. She explores the simple pleasures of life, like taking a leisurely walk and letting one’s mind wander, often leading to amusing questions about life’s path and the occasional need for a rescue from loved ones. With her signature wit and humour, Hickey masterfully navigates these relatable moments, making her show a must-see at the festival.
The Nath Valvo Comedy Spectacular
Nath Valvo
April 12 at the Comedy Theatre
Nath Valvo brings his signature high-energy comedy to the stage with The Nath Valvo Comedy Spectacular, a one-night-only event featuring brand-new jokes, classic favourites, and special guest appearances. Known for his razor-sharp wit and physical humour, Nath has consistently impressed audiences and critics alike, earning rave reviews for his ability to keep full houses in stitches. is show promises an unforgettable night of laughter, wrapping up by 9 PM, making it a must-see at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
