The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is thrilled to announce the next wave of international artists joining the 2026 program. Tickets now on sale
The lineup will see the return of festival favourites, long-awaited solo debuts and a fresh influx of acclaimed global talent hitting Melbourne stages across the Festival season.
Exclusive to Melbourne PHIL WANG (Malaysia/UK) will debut his new hour of stand-up UH OH for a full season at the Comedy Festival. Also returning in 2026: EMMANUEL SONUBI (UK), following his breakout appearance in the Festival’s 2025 New Order showcase, Emmanuel brings Life After Near Death – an hilarious and heartfelt hour shaped by extraordinary real-life events; ZAINAB JOHNSON (US) joins the Festival for the first two weeks only. Much loved by Melbourne audiences at her appearances in Headliners 2018 and again in the 2024 festival, Zainab will perform her newest show Toxically Optimistic.
Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee (2023 & 2025), Yorkshire’s IAN SMITH makes his solo Melbourne debut with one of Edinburgh 2025’s hottest shows Foot Spa Half Empty. And following sell-out runs across Europe and the US, Irishman MIKE RICE brings his darkly hilarious and naughty show Cruel Little Man for a strictly limited two-week run.
Already announced – and on sale – are international heavy hitters including DAVID O’DOHERTY (Ireland) in his 18th season with the Festival. The much-loved master of lo-fi musical whimsy returns with a brand-new hour of charming absurdity, Highway to the David Zone; fast-rising UK favourite CHLOE PETTS brings her critically acclaimed Edinburgh show – Big Naturals; standout of the Festival’s 2019 Headliners lineup, SAM JAY returns with her Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show We The People, a blisteringly funny and politically furious hour from one of the US’s most vital comic voices; provocateur and professional mischief-maker LUKE MCQUEEN (UK) will trial his boldest experiment yet – putting AI to the test in Comedian’s Comedian; and the reigning Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, SAM NICORESTI (UK) brings her highly anticipated show Baby Doomer, a look at her trans experience woven into tales from D&D and Zelda – which is sure to be one of the most sought after tickets at the Festival.
With hundreds of shows lighting up the city, there’s never been a better time to join the party. Whether you’re discovering new talent, reliving Festival memories, or creating fresh ones, the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the place to be.
For more information and to book tickets visit comedyfestival.com.au
March 25 – April 19
