A host of Melbourne International Comedy Festival comics gather to explore how comedy survives, thrives and occasionally lands a punch on authoritarianism.

The powerful often say they have a sense of humour. This turns out to be true – provided the joke is about someone else.

From public denunciations to legal action and intimidation, comedians across the world are increasingly required to work within narrowing spaces, where the right punchline at the expense of the wrong politician carries the risk of personal and professional consequences. When laughter is policed this closely, what does it reveal about the strength – and fragility – of power?

Join host Tom Ballard alongside leading comic voices Bahaa Dabbagh, Leon Filewood and Sam Jay for a timely conversation on the role and power of comedy in an age of rising authoritarianism.

This event was recorded on Saturday 28 March 2026 at The Wheeler Centre.

It was presented in partnership with Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Featured music is ‘Golden Hour’ by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist.

Content warning: This episode contains strong course language.

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