25 Years of Laughs

Celebrating 25 years of funny business in 2011, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has more than a few funny memories and anecdotes to share!

We've gathered 25 years of Festival facts and images together, year by year. Scroll down to see the familiar faces...

If you would like to see more, you can visit our exhibition, 25 Years of Laughs - The Melbourne International Comedy Festival 1987-2011, running throughout the Festival at The Arts Centre.

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The Eighties
The Nineties
The Noughties

2010
	Festival Highlights: - 233 stand-up shows, 69 International guests, 67 theatre productions, 33 cabaret, 12 special events, 7 free events, 12 family events, 12 one-night-only shows, 5 music events and a film. - 71 different venues in 20 Melbourne suburbs. - 28 Class Clowns workshops across Australia attracting almost 400 participants and over 2000 audience members. Awards: Sammy J and Heath McIvor (The Barry - Sammy J pictured below. Photo: Prue Upton), Sam Simmons (Piece of Wood), Asher Treleaven (Age Critics Award), Claudia O'Doherty (Best Newcomer), Hannah Gadsby (Festival Director's Award), Sam Simmons and David Quirk (Golden Gibbo), Denise McGuinness (Deadly Funny), Luke Heggie (RAW), Matthew Ford (Class Clowns). Shows/performers included: Peter Helliar, Wil Anderson, Josh Thomas, Sam Simmons, Adam Hills, Dave Hughes, Shaun Micallef and Stephen Curry in Good Evening, Tripod, Claire Hooper, Tom Gleeson. International guests included: Maeve Higgins, Russell Kane, Rich Fulcher, Josie Long, Sarah Millican, Greg Behrendt, Cardinal Burns, Terry Alderton, The Pajama Men, Tim Vine, Tim Key, Nina Conti, Reginald D Hunter and Andrew Lawrence. Outside the Festival: - Julia Gillard becomes Australia's first female PM. - Jessica Watson becomes the youngest person to sail non-stop around the world. - Mary MacKillop becomes Australia's first saint.
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2009
	Festival highlights: - 328 events, 3,400 performances, 490,000 attendees. - Deadly Funny expands to include Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. - The Roadshow presents 90 gigs in 63 towns across Australia. Awards: The Pajama Men (The Barry), Lawrence Mooney (Piece of Wood), Celia Pacquola (Age Critics Award), Tom Ballard (Best Newcomer), The Bedroom Philosopher (Festival Director's Award), The List Operators (Golden Gibbo), Shiralee Hood (Deadly Funny), Michael Workman (RAW), Neel Kolhatkar (Class Clowns). Shows/performers included: Dave Thornton, Rod Quantock, Wes Snelling, Asher Treleaven, Robbins, Stilson & Molloy, Julia Morris, NGV Comedy Tour with Hannah Gadsby, Sammy J, Tim Minchin. International guests included: Janeane Garfolo, Mike Wilmot, Tim Vine, Otis Lee Crenshaw, Nina Conti, Des Bishop, Sarah Millican, Russell Kane, Jamie Kilstein, Jason Byrne, Andrew Lawrence, David O'Doherty, Bo Burnham, Al Madrigal, Mario Joyner, Gordon Southern. Outside the Festival: - Geelong wins the Premiership. - Black Saturday Bushfires. Pictured left: Asher Treleaven. Photo: Prue Upton.
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2008
	Festival highlights: - The Roadshow toured 50,000 km to 101 venues. - Silent Disco comes to the Festival Club. - Greg Fleet celebrates his 21st Festival. Awards: Nina Conti and Kristen Schaal - The Barry (pictured left with Kurt Braunohler, Photo: Jim Lee), Tom Gleeson (Piece of Wood), Sammy J & Heath McIvor (Age Critics Award), Fear of a Brown Planet (Best Newcomer), Sam Simmons (Festival Director's Award), Suitcase Royale (Golden Gibbo), Kevin Kropinyeri (Deadly Funny), Neil Sinclair (RAW), Aaron Nobles (Class Clowns). Shows/performers included: Tripod, Rove, Dave Hughes, Nelly Thomas, Damian Callinan, Claire Hooper, Tom Ballard, Akmal, The Kransky Sisters, Josh Thomas, Sam Simmons, Wil Anderson, Charlie Pickering. International guests included: Lin Dong Fu, Tom Basden, Josie Long, Reginald D Hunter, Eddie Ifft, Tom Stade, Arj Barker, Mark Watson, Patton Oswalt, Jason Byrne, Kristen Schaal, John Moloney, Tommy Deanna Smart, Daniel Kitson, Al Pitcher. Outside the Festival: - The iPhone is released in Australia. - Hawthorn win the premiership. - Obama elected President. Pictured left: The Barry Award co-winners Nina Conti and Kristen Schaal with Kurt Braunohler. Photo: Jim Lee.
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2007
	Festival highlights: - Deadly Funny is launched - Eskimo Jokes is launched - Kids' Comedy Club is launched - The Roadshow tours to 45 venues including Singapore - 480,000 attendees Awards: Daniel Kitson (The Barry), Andy Zaltzman (Piece of Wood), Justin Hamilton (Festival Directors Award), Lawrence Leung (Age Critics Award), Claudia O'Doherty, Charlie Garber and Nick Coyle (Golden Gibbo), Josh Thomas (Best Newcomer), Jonathan Schuster (RAW), James Seamark and Jake Machin (Class Clowns), Mia Stanford (Deadly Funny). Performers included: Sam Simmons, Terri Psiakis, Ali McGregor, Andrea Powell, Charlie Pickering, Fiona O'Loughlin, Peter Berner, The Umbilical Brothers, Dave Callan, Tim Minchin, Cal Wilson. International guests included: The Jim Henson Puppet Company, David O'Doherty, Jason Byrne, Mark Watson, Phil Nichol, Russell Howard, Shappi Khorsandi, Stephen K Amos, Maeve Higgins, Josie Long, Rich Hall, Ardal O'Hanlon, Sean Hughes, Dylan Moran. Outside the Festival: - Kevin Rudd elected PM. - The Harbour Bridge turns 75. - The final Harry Potter book becomes the fastest selling book in History. - Geelong wins the premiership. Pictured left: Shiralee Hood, contestant Deadly Funny Grand Final. Photo: Jim Lee.
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2006
	Festival highlights: - The Tiny Top is erected in Federation Square. - Audiences exceed 400,000. - The Roadshow presents 86 gigs in 64 towns across Australia. Awards: Demetri Martin (The Barry), Fiona O'Loughlin and Damian Callinan (Piece of Wood), Men of Steel and Nick Sun (Festival Directors Award), Judith Lucy (Age Critics Award), Greg Bird (Golden Gibbo), Sammy J (Best Newcomer), Hannah Gadsby (RAW), Adam Knox (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Dave Hughes, Tripod, Judith Lucy, The Umbilical Brothers, Tom Gleeson, Gabriel Rossi, The Kransky Sisters, Tim Minchin. International guests included: Jason Byrne, Phil Kay, Rich Hall, Mike Wilmot, Spymonkey, Glenn Wool, Mark Watson, Ridiculusmus, Joan Rivers, The Amazing Jonathon, Pauly Shore, Dan Willis, Danny Bhoy, Hip Hop 4 Dummeez, Dylan Moran, Earl Okin, Jo Randerson, Lalaluna, Jeremy Lion and Topping and Butch, Nik Coppin, Demetri Martin. Outside the Festival: - West Coast wins the premiership. - The Glasshouse comes to an end. Pictured left: Barry Award winner Demetri Martin. Photo: Jim Lee.
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2005
	Festival Highlights: - The Festival Directors Award is launched. - Funny Tonne competition is launched. - The Roadshow presents 88 gigs in 61 towns across Australia. Awards: The Drowsy Drivers (The Barry, The Age Critics Award, Golden Gibbo), Tony Law (Piece of Wood), Tim Minchin (Festival Directors Award), Christina Adams (Best Newcomer), Tripod (British Council Oz Export Award), Josh Thomas (RAW), Imann Hadchit and Tobey Duncan (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Tripod, Dave Hughes, Wil Anderson, The Umbilical Bros, Akmal Saleh, Dave Callan, Sam Simmons, Steve Abbot & Flacco. International guests included: Daniel Kitson, Maria Bamford, Stewart Lee, Mike Wilmot, Rich Hall, Jeff Green, Bill Bailey, Danny Bhoy, Steven Wright, Jason Byrne, Phil Nichol, Janice Phayre, David O'Doherty, Arj Barker, Basile, Stephen K Amos, Rhod Gilbert, Dan Willis & Nik Coppin, Ursus & Nadeschkin, Mark Butler, Nicko & Silky, Tony Law, Jackson's Way. Outside the Festival: - Sydney Swans win the premiership. - The A380 hits the skies. Pictured left: Maria Bamford. Photo: Jim Lee
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2004
	Festival highlights: - Record attendance of 380,000 people - Jeez Louise is launched. - The Golden Gibbo Award is launched to honour the late Lynda Gibson. - The Roadshow presents 86 gigs in 65 towns across Australia. Awards: Maria Bamford (The Barry), Andrew McClelland (Piece of Wood), The Kransky Sisters (Age Critics Award), Eddie Perfect and The Kransky Sisters (Best Newcomer), Eddie Perfect and Jo Randerson (Golden Gibbo), Nick Sun (RAW), Stephen Brooks (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Wil Anderson, Adam Hills, Tripod, Rod Quantock, Akmal Saleh, Dave Callan, Eddie Perfect, Denise Scott & Jordy Lane, Tom Gleeson, Brendon Burns. International guests included: Chris Addison, Daniel Kitson, Maria Bamford, Lee Mack, Rob Rouse, Howard Read, Dave Gorman, Simon Munnery, Julian Clary, Todd Barry, Kenny 'The Real' Kramer, Harland Williams, Jo Randerson, Jeremy Elwood & Michele A'Court, Mark Butler, Tokyo Shock Boys, John Kelly & Lawrence Yarwood, Zen. Outside the Festival: - Jetstar is launched. - Jennifer Hawkins wins Miss Universe. - Casey Donovan wins Idol. - Port Adelaide wins the premiership. - Facebook is launched. Pictured left: Chris Addison
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2003
	Festival highlights: - Lehmo attempts to set the world record for telling the most jokes in an hour. - Superstar Karaoke at the Festival Club hosted by Kim Hope and Adam Richard. Awards: Mike Wilmot (The Barry), Dave Callan (Piece of Wood), Flight of the Conchords (Best Newcomer), Denise Scott, Judith Lucy and Lynda Gibson, Paul McDermott (The Age Critics Award), Janelle Thomas and Steve Sheehan (RAW), Tully Hansen (Class Clowns), Damian Callinan (ABN Amro Foreign Exchange Award), The Business (British Council Oz Export Award). Shows/performers included: The Glasshouse with Wil Anderson, Corinne Grant and Dave Hughes, Paul McDermott & GUD, Peter Helliar, Lawrence Mooney, Adam Hills, Tom Gleeson, Tripod, Linda Catalano, Merrick & Rosso. International guests included: Cal Wilson, Boothby Graffoe, Danny Bhoy (pictured left), Jeff Green, Rich Hall, Dave Gorman, Arj Barker, Dan Antopolski, Daniel Kitson (pictured left), Francesca Martinez, Glenn Wool, Lee Mack, Mike Wilmot, Noel Fielding, Ross Noble, Men in Coats, Dom Irrera, Flight of the Conchords. Outside the Festival: - Brisbane Lions win the premiership. - Makybe Diva wins the first of three Melbourne Cups. Pictured left: Daniel Kitson and Danny Bhoy. Photo: Jim Lee.
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2002
	Festival highlights: - The Opening Night Gala featured Al Murray, Bob Downe, Carl Barron, Daniel Kitson, Dave Hughes, The Umbilical Brothers and Peter Helliar. - The Age Critics Award is launched. - Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow presents 95 gigs in 59 towns across Australia. Awards: Ross Noble (The Barry), Charlie Pickering and Michael Chamberlin (Boiling Point), Drowsy Drivers and Jim Russell, Marty Sheargold and Aiden Fennessy (Best Newcomer), Ross Noble (pictured, Age Critics Award), David Elvins (RAW), Jeremy Dooley and Mario Cicitta (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Anthony Menchetti, Bob Franklin & Marty Shergold, Michael Chamberlin & Charlie Pickering, Justin Hamilton, Terri Psiakis. International guests included: Al Murray, John Hegley, Daniel Kitson, Ross Noble (pictured left, Photo: Peter Milne), Ridiculusmus, Rene Hicks, Tony Woods, The League Against Tedium, Chris Addison, John Hegley & Simon Munnery. Outside the Festival: - Kath & Kim premieres on the ABC. - Steven Bradbury wins winter Olympics Gold. - Brisbane Lions win the premiership. - Ansett collapses. Pictured left: Ross Noble. Photo: Peter Milne
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2001
	Festival highlights: - The Roadshow visits 18 country towns in Victoria and regional centres in every state and territory. - The Age publishes a series of funny short stories from Melbourne authors. Awards: Brian Munich (The Barry), Rich Fulcher (Piece of Wood), Cal Wilson and Fiona O'Loughlin (Best Newcomer), Em O'Loughlin (RAW), Paul Saunders (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Clare Bartholomew, James O'Loughlin, Cal Wilson, Jodie J Hill, Jo Stanley, Lawrence Mooney, Mick Molloy, Sarah Kendall, Tom Gleeson. International guests included: Jeff Green, Auto Boosh, Otis Lee Crenshaw, Dave Gorman, Jerry Sadowitz, Arj Barker, Jenny Eclair, Scott Capurro, Chris Addison, Ross Noble, Johnny Vegas, Henry Rollins. Outside the Festival: - Apple releases the iPod. - Big Brother premieres on Network Ten. - George Bush elected president. - Brisbane Lions wins the premiership. Pictured left: Jeff Green, Dave Hughes & Michael Veitch.
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2000
	Festival highlights: - The Festival's economic contribution to Victoria is $16 million. - Around 80,000 punters see shows at Melbourne Town Hall, the Festival hub. - The Opening Night Gala featured Carl Barron, Tripod, Lano & Woodley, Adam Bloom and Arctic Boosh. - The Stella Award is renamed the Barry Award in honour of Barry Humphries. - Best Newcomer Award is launched. Awards: The Boosh (pictured, Barry Award Photo: Peter Milne), Stewart Lee (pictured, Piece of Wood), Gerard McCulloch and Emma Bathgate (Best Newcomer), Drew Rokos (RAW), Josh Gurgiel (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: JJJ Breakfast Live from the Melbourne Town Hall, Damian Callinan, Corrine Grant, The Vagina Monologues with Collette Mann, Dave Callan, Tim Smith and The Empty Pockets, Gerard McCullogh, Tony Martin. International guests: The Boosh, Eddie Izzard, Ross Noble, Stewart Lee, Boothby Graffoe, Adam Bloom, Johnny Vegas, Bill Bailey, Danny Bhoy. Outside the Festival: - Summer Olympics held in Sydney. - Bardot wins 7's Popstar. - Essendon wins the AFL. Pictured left: Festival Director Susan Provan with Stewart Lee and The Boosh. Photo: Peter Milne.
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1999
	Festival highlights: - The first Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow. - Premiere of The Craic. - Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow presents 54 gigs in 48 towns across Australia. Awards: Sue-Ann Post for G Strings and Jockstraps (Stella Award), Simon Munnery (Piece of Wood), Chris Wainhouse (RAW), Martin Atta (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: The Scared Weird Little Guys Allstar Superband at the Festival Club; Comedy is Not Pretty with Lynda Gibson, Denise Scott and Judith Lucy; Peter Berner; Shame featuring Rove McManus, Peter Helliar, Kim Hope and Adam Richard; He Died With A Falafel in His Hand. International guests included: The League Against Tedium (Simon Munnery), Craig Charles, Ed Byrne, Adam Bloom, Jeff Green, Rich Hall & Otis Lee Crenshaw, Phil Kay. Outside the Festival: - Hey Hey It's Saturday axed (or so we thought). - Kangaroos win the AFL. - Rogan Josh wins the Melbourne Cup. - MSN Messenger launched. Pictured left: Johnny Vegas, Photo: Peter Milne
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1998
	Festival highlights: - More than 1,000 participants. - The Stella Award (now the Barry Award) is launched. - The Piece of Wood (comics' choice) award is launched. Awards: Linda Haggar and Fahey Younger for Miss Itchy's Creme de Menthe Breakfast Show (Stella Award, Piece of Wood Award), Chris Franklin (RAW), Gareth Maloney (Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Adam Hills, Dave Hughes, Dave O'Neil, Paul Hester, The Four Noels, Merrick & Rosso, Meshel Laurie, Puppetry of the Penis, Wil Anderson, Tripod, Scared Weird Little Guys host Class Clowns, Elbow Grease. International guests included: Al Murray, Parsons & Naylor, Sean Hughes, Jenny Eclair, Julian Clary, Ed Byrne, Simon Munnery as Alan Parker Urban Warrior, John Hegley. Outside the Festival: - Google founded. - Adelaide wins the premiership. - Titanic wins 11 Oscars. - Viagra goes on the market. Pictured left: Jenny Eclair and Paul McDermott.
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1997
	Festival highlights: - Attracted 320,000 people including 50,000 visitors from interstate and overseas. - The Opening Night Gala featured Bill Bailey, Jeff Green, Lano & Woodley, Glenn Robbins, Rod Quantock and Matt King. - The Festival gets a homepage. - The inaugural Short Film Festival. - RAW Comedy broadcast nationally by ABCTV for the first time. - Trades Hall turned into a Comedy venue for the first time by Comedy Festival. Awards: Damian Callinan and Subby Valentine (RAW). Performers/shows included: RAW Comedy, Dave Hughes, Wil Anderson, Merrick & Rosso - Good News Week live from Melbourne featuring Paul McDermott, Julie McCrossin and Mikey Robbins - Late, Loud and Luscious - The Lynda Gibson Chat Show (pictured left to Right Lynda Gibson, Ottis Lee Krenshaw (AKA Rich Hall) and Sue-Ann Post, Photo: Peter Milne), featuring many special guests including the very first (Day-leave) public appearance anywhere in the world of one Otis Lee Crenshaw (handcuffed to Sue Anne Post). International guests Included: Rich Hall, Frank Skinner, Boothby Graffoe, Ed Byrne, Sean Cullen, Jeff Green, Bill Bailey, Greg Proops. Outside the Festival: - The Castle was released. - Adelaide Crows win their first premiership. - First Harry Potter novel published. Pictured left: The Lynda Gibson Chat Show L-R; Lynda Gibson, Ottis Lee Krenshaw (AKA Rich Hall) and Sue-Ann Post. Photo: Peter Milne.
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1996
	Festival highlights: - The Comedy Festival turns 10. - The inaugural 'Big Laugh Out' - The Short Film Festival is launched as the Provincial Short Comedy Film Festival, Johnston Street Fitzroy blocked off for the occasion and a temporary outdoor cinema created. - RAW Comedy competition is launched, recorded for broadcast by the brand new Comedy Channel. - The Comedy Festival ventures into non-English based comedy when Lano & Woodley MC an afternoon of short stories, song and dance celebrating the 13th century Turkish wit and sage Nasreddin Hodja. - An exhibition of photos by Peter Milne covering ten years of the Comedy Festival is exhibited in Myer's Lonsdale Street windows. Awards: Stephen Head and Anthony Menchetti (RAW), Ebony Gamble (for the inaugural Class Clowns). Performers/shows included: Martin/Molloy, Judith Lucy, Lano & Woodley, Scared Weird Little Guys, Greg Fleet, Paul McDermott in Mosh, Lynda Gibson & Paul McCarthy, Bob Downe, Denise Scott, Tim Harris, Jimeoin. International guests included: Lynn Ferguson, Will Durst, Rich Hall (pictured left, Photo: Peter Milne), Scott Capurro, Bill Bailey, Jo Brand plus Nick Wilty, Ed Byrne and Phil Kay. Outside the Festival: - The DVD is launched. - eBay is founded. - John Howard elected Prime Minister. - Australian television turns 40. Pictured left: Rich Hall. Photo: Peter Milne.
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1995
	Festival highlights: - 120 events. - The Festival announces Oxfam partnership, with all proceeds from the televised Gala going to the charity. - Melbourne Town Hall becomes the Festival hub. - Can We Talk? - a series of seminars from industry insiders including Kaz Cooke, Jimeoin, Judith Lucy, Tony Martin and Greg Fleet. - The inaugural Upfront. - Cable TV launched in Australia with the very first words broadcast on Foxtel's The Comedy Channel being a classy "Hi, how're youse cunts going?" courtesy Matt Parkinson, host of a series produced by Melbourne International Comedy Festival from the Comedy Festival Club. Performers/shows included: The Lucille Ball Ball, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus, The Scared Weird Little Guys CD launch, Greg Fleet's Thai Die, AAARGH Miss Itchy, The Umbilical Brothers. International guests included: - Sean Hughes, Steven Wright, The 3 Canadians, Scott Capurro, Emo Phillips, Lee Evans. Outside the Festival: - Telecom becomes Telstra. - Babe is released. - Today Tonight premieres on Seven. - Carlton wins the Premiership. - Peter Cook dies. Pictured left: Scared Weird Little Guys. Photo: Peter Milne.
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1994
	Festival highlights: - Upfront is launched. - MICF is formally affiliated with Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. Performers/shows included: Close Shave with Lynda Gibson and Sue-Ann Post; Lano & Woodley; Hotspur with Garry McDonald and Ruth Cracknell; New Joke City with Matt King, Greg Fleet and Marty Sheargold; Steady Eddie. International guests included: Penny Arcade 'Bitch, Dyke, Faghag, Whore', Bobcat Goldthwait, The Amazing Jonathon, Phil Kay, Hale & Pace, The Tokyo Shock Boys. Outside the Festival: - Our phone numbers gained an extra digit. - Muriel's Wedding and Priscilla Queen of the Desert are released. - Blue Heelers premieres on Seven, launching the career of Lisa McCune. - Mother and Son comes to an end. - West Coast win the premiership. Pictured left: Lano & Woodley. Photo: Peter Milne.
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1993
	Festival hlghlights: - Guest of Honour was Ernie Dingo. Performers/shows included: - Wogarama, Circus Oz, This Sporting Life broadcast live from The Prince of Wales Hotel, Humourists Read the Humourists featured Magda Szubanski, Gerry Connolly, Max Cullen and Denise Scott. International guests included: Lenny Henry, Steven Wright, Stomp, Bill Hicks, Marty Putz, Chris Lynam, Sean Hughes. Outside the Festival: - "And the winner is... SYD...Da...NEY" - Channel 7 axes A Country Practice after 1058 episodes. - Essendon wins the premiership. - Bill Clinton elected President. Pictured left: Judith Lucy & Lenny Henry, Photo: Peter Milne
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1992
	Festival highlights: - Guest of Honour is Bea Arthur. - The Charity Gala included Mary Coustas, Georgie Parker, Agro and Tiny Tim. Performers/shows included: - Free lunchtime concerts featuring Denise Scott, Lynda Gibson & Judith Lucy and Jimeoin. - Mary Coustas in Waiting for Effie. - Scared Weird Little Guys. - Biggest Gig with Wendy Harmer, DAAS and Flacco. - The show with no name featuring Greg Fleet, Matthew Quartermaine, Tony Martin and Mick Molloy. International guests included: David Strassman, Stomp, Corky & The Juice Pigs (pictured left, Photo: Peter Milne). Outside the Festival: - One and two cent pieces withdrawn from circulation. - First Big Day Out headlined by Violent Femmes and Nirvana. - Strictly Ballroom and Romper Stomper released. - Fast Forward, Acropolis Now and The Big Gig all come to an end. - The premiership leaves Victoria for the first time when West Coast win the AFL. Pictured left: Corky and the Juice Pigs, Photo: Peter Milne
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1991
	Festival highlights: - Guest of honour was Terry Jones. - The Gala featured Norman Gunston, Steve Vizard, Col'n Carpenter and the casts of Acropolis Now, Fast Forward and The Big Gig. Performers/shows included: - A Royal Commission into the Australian Economy, written by John Clarke & Ross Stevenson. - Let the Blood Run Free. - Sneak preview of Death in Brunswick. - Humorists Read The Humorists featured Wendy Harmer, Terry Jones, Andrew Denton and Nick Giannopoulos. International guests included: Sean Hughes, Corky & The Juice Pigs, David Strassman. Outside the Festival: - Paul Keating elected PM. - Compass Airlines shuts down less than a year after opening. - Hawthorn Hawks win the Premiership. - MTV launches Comedy Central. - Sega launches Sonic the Hedgehog. Pictured left: Anthony Morgan, Photo: Peter Milne
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1990
	Festival highlights: - Grand Opening Party held at Luna Park featuring Raymond J Bartholomeuz, Found Objects, Doug Anthony All Stars and Rachel Berger. - 1st Annual Comedy Festival Debate topic: God has no sense of humour. - The Ednas Silly Awards Night featured Andrew Denton, Red Symons, Wilbur Wilde, Shane Bourne, Wendy Harmer, the D-Gen. - Jean Kitson starred in David Williamson's Siren. - Karikatura exhibition displays a collection of original works by Soviet cartoonists of the 80s. Shows/performers: Acropolis Now Live, Found Objects, Angela Punch McGregor, Doug Anthony All Stars, Jean Kittson, Bob Downe. International guests included: Archaos, Tom Stoppard, The Moose is Loose, Kinky Friedman. Outside the Festival: - Australia goes into the recession 'we had to have'. - First issue of the Herald Sun published. - Network Ten and Network Seven go into receivership. - The VFL is renamed the AFL. - Collingwood wins its first Premiership since 1958 Pictured left: Empty Pockets, Photo: Peter Milne
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1989
	Festival highlights: - Guest of Honour was Mort Sahl. - The Rooly Excellent Comedy Festival Opening Concert featured the cast of the Comedy Company and Mental as Anything. Shows/performers included: The Doug Anthony All Stars, Glynn Nicholas, Stevie Starr the Regurgitator, The Garden of Love with Trevor Marmalade. International guests included: Philippe Genty, Paul Merton, Leigh Clark, Sholom Aleichem. Outside the Festival: - George Bush Sr elected President. - Bob admits his affair with Blanche on national TV. - Seinfeld premieres in the US. - Nintendo releases the Game Boy. Pictured left: Greg Fleet, Photo: Peter Milne
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1988
	Festival highlights: - Guest of honour is Phyllis Diller. - Michael Leunig supplies artwork for the MICF program for the first time, and continues to do so every Festival to follow. - The casts of Neighbours and the Flying Doctors vied for the Celebrity Theatresports' Peter Cook Cup. Shows/performers included: Tim & Debbie, Max Gillies, John Clarke, Wendy Harmer, Storming St Kilda by Tram, Circus Oz. International guests included: Graham Chapman, Rita Rudner. Outside the Festival: - Australia's Bicentennial. - World Expo 88 opens in Brisbane. - Home and Away premieres on Channel 7. - The Comedy Company debuts on Network 10. - Hawthorn Hawks win the premiership. Pictured left: Premier John Cain and Max Gillies, Photo: Peter Milne.
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1987
	Festival highlights: - Festival launched by Peter Cook and Barry Humphries (pictured left, Photo: Peter Milne). - Opening Night Gala Concert at Melbourne Town Hall featured Max Gillies, Gerry Connolly, Wendy Harmer and Maryanne Fahey. - Richard Stubbs (XYZoo) hosted Free Range Comedy featuring Glenn Robbins and Russell Gilbert. - Celebrity Theatresport judges included Joh Bjelke-Peterson, and the inaugural Peter Cook Cup was presented by Peter Cook himself. - 56 shows in 33 venues. - Festival Club was at The Last Laugh. - Brian McCarthy Memorial Awards launched. Other shows/performers/directors included: - Los Trios Ringbarkus, Wogs Out of Work, Doug Anthony All Stars, Rod Quantock's Bus Tour, Humorists Read the Humomorists, Mark Little, Steve Vizard, Gina Riley, Andrew Goodone, Tim Smith, Elliot Goblet, Geoffrey Rush, Circus Oz. Outside the Festival: - Bob Hawke was PM. - The first mobile phone call was made in Australia. - Countdown broadcasts for the last time. - Brisbane Bears (now Brisbane Lions) and West Coast join the VFL. - Carlton Blues win the Premiership.