In a city scarred by COVID (particularly in the way of lockdowns, venue closures and entertainment cancellations) in is heart warming to see the city of Melbourne come alive once more as The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) has made its way back to supply the community with high doses of much needed laughter and cheer. It does feel like laugher and cheer have been in very short supply over the last year, so I am excited to be able to bring you reviews of all kinds of shows, from all corners of the city (and surrounds).

This year, more than ever, I urge you all to attend a show. It will mean so much to the performers and the city itself. At the time of writing this, I have only been to one show so far, but the buzz in the audience was palpable. It was fantastic to see people sitting around a bar, having a drink and talking with one another. It felt so good to see a show and sit next to other people, in a theatre, in real life. Likewise, I could see the performers were extra excited to be on a stage once more (a place they must have been yearning for). Every small action and part is relished evermore, after a year in which so much has changed for everyone (performer and audience member).

The entertainment industry as whole (encompassing many genres of course) was among the first to be hit hard by COVID related restrictions, and in Melbourne especially, it has taken a very long time for the industry to be able to be back up and running again, so I implore you – if there’s ever a ‘best time’ to buy a ticket to a show and to demonstrate your support for this festival – now this the time.

Check out the full 2021 festival program over at: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2021