The Melbourne International Comedy Festival was founded in 1987. It was officially launched at a media conference hosted by Australian comedian Barry Humphries (as his alter ego Sir Les Patterson) and English comedian Peter Cook. According to John Pinder, one of the festival’s co-founders, the idea of creating an international comedy festival in Australia first emerged in the early 1980s, but was not until 1986 that he managed to gain the support of the Victorian Tourism Commission and the state government.
Traditionally the festival kicks off in mid to late March, although once it used to open on April Fool’s Day, and runs for about four weeks. The Melbourne Town Hall serves as the festival hub, but performances are held in different venues throughout Melbourne. The festival plays host for hundreds of artists from all over Australia and abroad. For instance, its 2014 edition featured 469 shows and over 6,000 performances (including almost 160 free performances) by more than 2,200 artists.
The MICF’s program is based on cabaret and stand-up acts, but the festival has also included other genres and types of performances such as plays, sketch shows, musical shows, improvisational theater, and even art exhibitions. The flagship event of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is the televised Gala that includes short performances from many outstanding comedians. Other popular events include the Opening Night Super Show, a televised comedy debate entitled the Great Debate, and Upfront, a night of performances by female comedians.
The MICF is very popular among comedians because of its relaxed atmosphere. According to Australian comedian Peter Helliar, at Melbourne’s Comedy Festival there is less pressure involved than at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe where it is harder to gain an audience due to greater competition. The MICF is generally considered the most fun and audience friendly comedy festival.
Each year, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival recognizes the most outstanding performers and shows with a number of awards. The Barry Award is considered the most prestigious one. The award was named to honor Barry Humphrie’s, one of the festival’s founders. It is presented to the most outstanding comedy act. Other awards include the Piece of Wood Award (the comedian’s choice award), the Best Newcomer Award (the winner is awarded with a trip to the Brighton Comedy Festival in the United Kingdom), The Age Critics’ Award, the Golden Gibbo Award, and the Directors’ Choice Award.
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