jks: a comedy(?) at MICF 2026

The sell-out Melbourne Fringe hit returns for six shows only!

A weekly stand-up gig. Backstage.

In between their sets, five comedians are laughing, bitching and talking shit.

It’s all fun and games… until they hear the news: a legend has died.

Depending on who you ask, he either leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, or a legacy of bigotry and pain. Or maybe both. Or neither…

The comics get stuck in: was this guy actually funny, or just embarrassing? Is being “funny” all that matters, anyway? What’s even the point of telling jokes? How much harm (or good) can they ever do? How dark and f#%ked up can you go? Who can say what – and who decides?

As the gig carries on in the background, the comics go to war on ‘The Big Question’ – what is comedy even for?

A new (funny) play about what it means to be funny.

Starring Bev Killick (Deadloch), Kevin Hofbauer (Dear Life), Tom Ballard (Tonightly), Tiana Hogben (Thank God You’re Here) and Lauren Bonner (Going Under).

Written by Tom Ballard.

Directed by Ben Russell (Thank God You’re Here).

Longlisted for the 2025 Griffin Award.

‘Clever, illuminating.’ ★★★★ The Age

‘Acerbic and flat-out hilarious.’ ★★★★★ Tinsel & Tap Shoes

‘A wonderfully, tightly written commentary on comedy today.’ ★★★★ Theatre Matters

Content warning: this play includes very strong coarse language, adult themes, black humour and the use of certain slurs relating to disability, race and gender.

 

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BE FUNNY CHALLENGE (IMPOSSIBLE) | 2026 TOUR

As seen on Fisk, Deadloch, Tonightly, Guy Montgomery’s Spelling Bee and Deal Or No Deal (for some reason). As heard on podcast Serious Danger.

After a year away from touring, doing nothing but being very nice and uncontroversial, Australia’s Special Envoy For Comedy Tom Ballard returns in 2026 with a new show packed with heaps of jokes about all the stuff.

You should definitely come along. After all, the world is extremely normal right now and everyone’s getting along really well, so why don’t we all just get together and have a nice laugh about it, you know?

What’s the worst that could happen????


Nominee – Melbourne Comedy Festival Award 2023

Nominee – Best Comedy, Melbourne Fringe 2023

“One of the slickest hours of stand-up I’ve ever seen and packing a proper comedy punch.”  Adam Hills

“Fierce and funny…Ballard is a dynamo – a whirling, toe-curling bundle of energy, who is as politically powerful as he is fantastically funny.” ★★★★½ Arts Hub

“A relentless whirl of opinion, silliness, and increasingly bad-taste jokes against those who most deserve it.” ★★★★½ Chortle [UK]

“Absolutely packed with elite gags” ★★★★ The Scotsman [UK]

“To call Ballard a comedian is being kind…..All Ballard has is a potty mouth,  and being from the demographic their ABC loves.” hair stew, Daily Mail commenter

 

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ETTE Media LIVE in Canberra

Ever scrolled through the news and thought…really?

Join ETTE MEDIA’s Jan Fran and Antoinette Lattouf for their debut live show ‘IT’S A NO FROM ME’ – an evening of sharp, frank and funny witticism and criticism in a world turning to shiticism.

Be part of the Etterati as Jan and Antoinette peel back the layers of modern media to show you how (and why!) the sausage is made. There will be room for your hot takes, cold rage and lukewarm feelings about the state of the world.

They’ll be joined by experts to dissect the nonsense, comedians to reveal the absurd, and a rotating guest list of musicians and poets to tell you the truth.

So get geared up for a night that will definitely make you laugh, probably make you cry and hopefully make you think.

 

Excited to join the ladies’ show in CANBERRA on WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4th.

Tickets selling FAST.

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Stand Up For Refugees 2026

After three years of total sell-out shows – including last year’s packed-out Comedy Theatre – co-hosts Wil Anderson & Tom Ballard are back with the hottest ticket of the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

This annual benefit for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre has become a must-see event, raising serious cash and even more laughs. And yes, it sells out every single year – so don’t wait.

For one early-afternoon only, DON’T MISS this special line-up of A-grade comedy excellence, featuring the best comedians in the world donating their time and talents to support the ASRC’s vital work: providing material and legal assistance to people seeking asylum and refugees, and fighting back against Australia’s cruel immigration policies.

Most of the line-up will be kept super-secret until the day. Previous years have featured the likes of Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor, Sara Pascoe, Lloyd Langford, Kitty Flanagan, Daniel Kitson, Sam Campbell, Geraldine HickeyDavid O’DohertyGuy Montgomery and more – the only way to find who’s taking to the stage this time around is to grab yourself a ticket. 

So come along and laugh good, feel good, and do some good.

Co-hosted by Wil Anderson & Tom Ballard.

You can donate directly to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre via this link.

Kindly supported by Melbourne International Comedy Festival

 

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