When is the Comedy Festival?

The 24th Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from 24 March to 18 April 2010 in Melbourne, Australia.

What about RAW and the Roadshow?

Raw Comedy gigs have been taking place in capital cities since January and will continue up until March. The Roadshow will take place across the country between April and June. Visit the Raw Comedy or Roadshow pages for exact dates.

Who is on at the Festival?

The complete 2010 Comedy Festival program is available online now. Visit individual artist pages for a range of info including reviews, audio and video.

For a Comedy Festival guide in your pocket download our shiny new iPhone App at the iTunes Store. It’s free and has heaps of features including a random shake function for those of you who can’t make up your mind what to see!

You can grab a copy of the printed Program Guide in The Age on Thursday 18 March. Program Guides will also be available from Ticketmaster outlets and selected cafés, theatres and bars after this date. Unfortunately, we are unable to mail out Program Guides to Metropolitan Melbourne. We can only send programs to people living in regional Victoria and interstate who were unable to get their copy in The Age. These people can sign up to receive a copy here.

How can I keep up with the latest Comedy Festival news?

Become one of our fans on Facebook and you’ll be on the right side of the bell curve for breaking news, hot tips, pics and maybe even a special offer or two.

Same goes for Twitter – start following us now and you’ll never miss out on Comedy Festival news and trends.

And don’t forget to sign up to our E-News mailing list.

What is E-News?

E-News is our email newsletter, which makes sure you're up-to-date with the latest comedy news from across Australia.

Join our E-News mailing list now and receive all the latest comedy news, reviews and ticketing offers.

You can sign up to receive different E-News editions.

E-News Gala: The Gala 2010 has SOLD OUT. Signing up to this list will ensure you receive early bird notifications and other special offers for the annual Comedy Festival Gala. (You will only receive updates in the lead up to the Festival).

E-News Festival: Signing up to this list will keep you up to date with all the news and opportunities relating to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, held in April each year. (You will only receive updates in the lead-up to and during the Festival).

E-News Everything!: Signing up to this list will mean you get all the news relating to the Gala, the Comedy Festival, and comedy in general all around Australia, all year round! (You will receive an update about once a month outside of the Festival, and more regularly during it).

How do I book Festival tickets?

Tickets to most Comedy Festival events are available now and can be purchased online through this website. Tickets to many shows are also available through Ticketmaster either by phoning 1300 660 013 or by visiting an outlet near you. Tickets to some venues are sold through Ticketek by phoning 132 849 or visiting an outlet. Check individual event pages for details of the event you want to see.

How can I get tickets to the Gala?

The Gala is the Comedy Festival's most popular event and once again sold out within hours of tickets going on sale. The best way to get tickets for next year is to join our E-News mailing list to be the first to find out exactly when and where the Gala goes on sale.

Where can I find a comedian to perform at my event?

The best place to start is by checking out our online Casting Directory.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival has contacts for all the comedians who appear at the Festival but the question of who is best for your event can be a really tricky one. We recommend you have a look at past Festival programs and, if you want to contact someone in particular, let us know. Otherwise, email us and we can put you in touch with some good booking agents in your area.

How do I know which shows are suitable for my teenage children?

Most shows are not age restricted and those that are will be listed as such in the Program Guide. As we don't know how your children will react, or what you feel is appropriate for them, it is difficult for us to recommend particular shows. Please be aware, however, that comedy shows can contain course language, nudity or 'blue' themes. Our best advice is to browse the Program Guide and reviews to gauge the content of shows.

Each year's Festival program will feature a kids' section highlighting the best comedy for ages 0 – 12. This does not mean that 'kids' comedy' won't appeal to all age groups. For a list of the comedy for kids in this year's Festival simply select the category Family Shows in the Advanced Search section of this website.

You should also be aware that some venues are located within licensed establishments and may not admit persons under the age of 18 or require persons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian. If in doubt it is advisable to contact the Comedy Festival office during office hours: (03) 9245 3700.

What are the general conditions of buying a ticket at the Festival?

Patrons are requested to check their tickets carefully before leaving the Box Office.

Seating is unreserved unless otherwise stated. That is, your seat is not assigned. Some ticketing agencies print numbers on tickets for management purposes. Do not mistake these numbers for an assigned seat.

If in doubt, ask your ticket seller.

Tickets cannot be refunded except as stated in Entertainment Industry Ticketing Code of Practice (refunds)

Latecomers will not be admitted unless there is a suitable break in the performance. Some shows may refuse latecomers.

The Management reserves the right of admission.

Cameras and sound recording equipment are not permitted in Comedy Festival venues.

Mobile phones and other beeping devices must be switched off before entering the performance sites.

Please enquire at the ticketing outlet or box office for conditions specific to the show you are purchasing a ticket for.

Can I get a refund on a Comedy Festival ticket I've bought?

Refunds are only issued according to Live Performance Australia's Code of Practice for Ticketing. Refunds are only issued if:

     * a main attraction/event is cancelled or rescheduled

    * a main attraction/star performer(s) is cancelled or rescheduled and substitute arranged

    * an event is 'part' cancelled by premature termination substantially before performance of advertised content or expiration of advertised duration

    * previously undisclosed significant visual obstruction for a reserved seat reported soon after commencement

For a full copy of the Code, go to http://www.liveperformance.com.au/default.aspx?s=codes_guidelines. The final decision on refunds is made by the producer of the show in question and we will pass any requests for a refund that are sent to our office on to the relevant producer.

Please ensure you check any tickets you have bought before leaving the Box Office.

What is a Comedy Festival gift voucher?

If you know your friends or family love comedy but you don't know what show they'd like to see you can buy them a Comedy Festival gift voucher. Available in amounts of $20, $50 or $100, the vouchers can be purchased now and the shows chosen later. Click here to purchase them.