Back in 2022 we reported that seven graduates of the Hard Knock Knocks were performing their own comedy shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. This year, in 2025, that number has BOOMED to an astonishing 30!
Here’s who to look out for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025, and remember if you liked what you saw, you can book these comedy stars via the Gigme app.
Aarti Vincent – Gen-XXX
Hard Knock Knocks alumna Aarti Vincent joins fellow comedian Ankita Ghosh to explore living abroad as an India. Known for her cheeky nature, Aarti doesn’t hold back, but that can be expected from a Gen-X.
Aarti has performed sold out shows at previous Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Watch Aarti and Ankita at the Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood from April 8 to 20. Book here.
Abhishek Panchal – Have you tried turning comedy on and off again?
Debuting his first ever Melbourne International Comedy Festival alumnus Abhishek Panchal is teaming up with another Abhishek to produce a line-up show featuring multiple acts in the same night, all with an IT slant.
This is a lineup show, so no two nights are the same.
The two Abhisheks’ show runs for six nights at the Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne from April 10 to 19. Book here.
Aden Hitchens – Random Things (Few Newer Jokes)
Alumnus Aden Hitchens is a force of nature. This Indigenous comedian has been spreading joy across Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane with his sharp stand-up, sketch comedy, and viral homemade videos. His performances mix high-energy storytelling with cultural insights, celebrating the rich diversity of First Nations talent in the comedy scene.
Aden keeps audiences laughing while offering a fresh perspective on life. See Aden perform at the Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood from March 26 to April 6. Book here.
Aditya Gautam – Unskilled Immigrant
Not All Immigrants are Skilled! Hard Knock Knocks alumnus Aditya Gautam takes you on a heartwarming and hilarious journey, where he tells you the five reasons that led him to become an unskilled immigrant in Australia.
Aditya is the Host of the SBS Show, Comedy Karma. After getting rave reviews for his Debut solo show ‘Don’t call Me a Papadum’, Aditya Gautam is now touring his second solo show with candid and hilarious stories about Bollywood movies, shocking revelations about loopholes in immigration rules, admiring Dollars and much more. This show will take you on a journey like no other.
See Aditya at Brewmanity in South Melbourne on April 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, and 19. Book here.
Alec Fry – Snape: Life after Voldemort
Alec Fry loves Hogwarts, as you can probably tell from the theme of his Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 show.
In it, everyone’s favourite potions professor is trying to find a new career, and you can help. Character comedy combined with classic stand-up, will make for an enjoyable night.
Watch Hard Knock Knocks alumnus Alec Fry perform at Tasma Terrace in East Melbourne from April 7 to 20. Book here.
Alex Keen – Should we just take half each?
Strange title, you might think. But not when you realise that Hard Knock Knocks alumnus, Alex Keen is performing for half of the 50 minute show, and then handing over to comedy regular Charisa Bossinakis. After performing solo hour-long shows at last year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Alex teamed up with Charisa to deliver a powerhouse split bill – 25 minutes each of their best, most polished material from a year of touring comedy clubs nationwide. With a reputation for tight, tested stand-up and an ability to turn the mundane into the hilarious, Alex continues to cement himself as a must-watch act in Australia’s thriving comedy landscape.
Alex and Charisa will be performing at the Coopers Inn for 11 nights from March 26 to April 6. Book here.
Andy High – Ok, Boomer
Older isn’t always wiser, but it sure is funnier. Classic geriatric Andy High brings together a rotating lineup of vintage boomers and a few young whippersnappers for a night of sharp wit, nostalgic tales, and hilariously blunt life lessons. From the absurdities of modern life to the confusion of political correctness, these comedians tackle it all with the kind of hindsight only age can deliver.
A UK export gifted to Australia in 1988, Andy was a finalist in Australia’s Funniest Boomer and proves that growing older doesn’t mean growing up. Catch Ok, Boomer for an unforgettable night of seasoned laughs.
See Hard Knock knocks alumnus Andy High and the other ‘oldies’ at Ballers Clubhouse from March 26 to April 6. Book here.
Annalise Knight – The White Powder That Changed My Life
Recent graduate, alumna Annalise Knight had big Broadway dreams, until a little white powder changed everything. Snow. Not cocaine. One moment, she was soaring. The next, she was battling Post-Concussion Syndrome, juggling recovery, a musical theatre degree, and the search for an agent.
First performed at Melbourne Fringe in 2024, Annalise returns with ‘The White Powder That Changed My Life’ at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025
Watch Annalise at the Butterfly Club in Melbourne from March 25 to April 6. Book here.
Brad, Mazz, Paul and Warrick – The One-Liner Show
The One-Liner Show began at 2023, and promises to be “the biggest value for your dollar”. As far as Laughs Per Minute (LPM) go, they may have a point. One-liners are the machine gun of comedy; Rapid fire.
Hard Knock Knocks alumni Paul Balsillie, Mazz Matta, Brad ‘Sheany’ Shean, and Warrick Sutton, will be performing with comedy industry regulars Rhys Halliwell and Milton White at four shows. Coincidentally, ‘Sheany’ is the returning alumni for the September comedy course in Melbourne.
The One-Liner Show on April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at the Limerick Arms in South Melbourne. Book here.
Brad (Sheany) – Learning Difficulties
Alumnus Brad Shean, or ‘Sheany’ to his mates, is performing a split show alongside fellow Melbourne comedian Elijah Dries that looks at careers, pains and career pains. Performing at Club Voltaire in North Melbourne.
Brad is also the returning alumni for the September Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School alongside guest comedian Jeff Green and resident comedy coach, Brad Oakes.
See Sheany and Elijah at Club Voltaire on September 10 to 13. Book here.
Cameron Muratore – Snake Eyes
Hard Knock Knocks alumnus, Cameron Muratore has made a name for himself in the comedy scene at lightning speed, earning a spot in the 2024 RAW Comedy National Final. He’s since hustled his way across Melbourne, performing everywhere from packed clubs to hidden open mics, never shying away from the comedy grind. Cam’s comedy is lighthearted, silly, and effortlessly relatable—offering a hilarious insight into breakups, bad decisions, and the awkward realities of everyday life. He’s teaming up with another familiar face on the Melbourne comedy scene, Mort to perform Snake Eyes.
Cam and Mort are performing Snake Eyes at the Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood for six nights only, April 15 to 20.
Delhi Buoy – 7-Eleven Attack: The Indians are Coming
You might remember in previous posts that alumnus Delhi Buoy made it to Raw Comedy in 2022. Since then he’s been going from strength to strength performing around the country, including this year’s Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025. His show, with not-so-subtle references to 911 and Indian convenience store stereotypes will be dark and edgy.
Delhi Buoy is performing at Brewmanity in South Melbourne on April 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13. Book here.
Emilie Biggar – Toil, Trouble & Trauma
Hard Knock Knocks alumna, Emilie Biggar is teaming up with fellow comedians Bell Woolley and Jayne Steer, to share stories of adversity, fighting through trauma all the while looking flawless. There’s also an injection of witchcraft to keep it fun.
Emilie completed the Hard Knock Knocks comedy course in September 2023, and has gone from strength to strength due to her tenacity.
Emilie and her ladies will be at the Speakeasy Theatre from 7 to 15 April. Book here.
Igor Pauleta – How to Give Up and Get on it
Alumnus Igor Pauleta graduated from the first batch of students after the country re-opened from lockdowns in November 2020.
Irresponsibility is the theme of this show, featuring alumni Igor Pauleta and his comedy pal Kiwi Sean Collier. Be prepared for stories of poor self control, fighting spirit and mutual love for getting on it (aka lots of drug references).
The lads are performing at the Charles Dickens Tavern from 26 – 31 March and 1 – 6 April. Book here.
Jarryd Goundrey – A Road Dog
One of the Hard Knock Knocks’ most successful alumni, Jarryd Goundrey has built a solid comedic brand by leaning heavily into his Australian Defence Force (ADF) service. In his own words, Jarryd is the black sheep of the family, surrounded by high-achieving family, which is likely to be the catalyst for his departure from Perth and calling Melbourne home. Now an established comedian, and social media influencer, with over 36 million views online for his storytelling and military humour, Jarryd regularly sells out shows across the country.
Jarryd will be performing Road Dog at the Golden Gate Hotel in South Melbourne from April 16 to 20.
Jeremy Dooley – Daddy Cool
Jeremy Dooley’s debut solo show, Daddy Cool, at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is a testament to his rapid rise in Australia’s comedy scene. The show delves into themes of fatherhood, misguided advice, and the pitfalls of speaking out of turn, all delivered with Dooley’s signature chaotic storytelling and infectious energy. Audience members are treated to a blend of hilarity and heartfelt moments, making for an engaging experience. As noted by Forte Mag, Dooley’s style is “relatable, raw, refreshing,” and Daddy Cool exemplifies these qualities, solidifying his reputation as a comedian to watch
Alumnus Jeremy Dooley is performing at the The Collection Bar in Richmond for 15 nights, every Thursday, Friday, Satuday and Sunday, from March 28 to April 20. Book here.
Josh Rayne – When it Raynes it Pours
UK born Josh Rayne delivers stories about being born in Africa but growing up painfully English and his long overdue reckoning with Borderline Personality Disorder, while unearthing the complexities of his father’s mysterious past.
Josh interweaves agonising misadventures – like moving his entire life to Australia in the middle of a manic episode – with the surreal complexities of discovering his queer identity at boarding school to create a show that is as uplifting as it is gleefully chaotic.
See alumnus Josh Payne perform at Tasma Terrace in East Melbourne from April 7 to 20. Book here.
Kate Hanley Corley – Nervous Breakdance
Alumna Kate Hanley Corley, a Melbourne-based comedian, began her career in journalism and screenwriting, contributing to crime dramas like Blue Heelers and City Homicide. In 2013, she transitioned to comedy, debuting Memoirs of an Aisha at the Melbourne Fringe.She has since created and performed hit shows like French Women Do Everything Better, South Yarra Mums, and Bad Mother. Known for her character-driven comedy and satirical songs, she blends quirkiness with sharp wit. At the time of writing, Kate was performing her show, Nervous Breakdance, at the Adelaide Fringe, which will continue to the MICF.
Watch Kate at the Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne, April 9, 10, 11 and 12. Book here.
Konrad Benjamin – Punter’s Politics with Punter Konrad
Konrad from ‘Punter’s Politics‘ brings his sharp political insights and irreverent humour to Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 in a show that promises to dissect the absurdity of Australian politics like never before. Known for his no-nonsense takes and relatable style, Konrad combines wit, satire and laugh-out-loud moments as he tackles the big issues – from Canberra chaos to the quirks of Aussie life. Whether you’re a political junkie or just love a good laugh, this is your chance to see Konrad live and unfiltered, delivering comedy with a message. Expect clever commentary, unexpected punchlines and a night that will leave you thinking – and laughing – all the way home.
Watch alumnus Punter Konrad perform at the Golden Gate Hotel in South Melbourne for four nights only from April 10 to 13. Book here.
Kru Harale – Comedy Roulette
India-born, Melbourne based Hard Knock Knocks alumna Krutika Harale is not only a comedian, but a comedy producer. Her show, Comedy Roulette, has become a staple of the Melbourne comedy scene, and she’s bringing this innovative show to the Melbourne Town Hall during the MICF.
If you’ve not yet attended a show, audience members spin a digital roulette wheel that is connected to topics, and comedians deliver improvised jokes. Topics have included ‘Awkward family gatherings’ to ‘Self-help book titles that won’t work’. While Krutika is the host over the seven nights, the lineup of comedians changes.
Book tickets to see Krutika Harale and an assorted number of comedians at the Melbourne Town Hall on March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, 12 and 18. Book here.
Laurence Driscoll – No, No, You First
Have you ever had a dream, but something always held you back? Alumnus Laurence Driscoll knows the feeling. As a kid, he danced on the verandah, hoping Young Talent Time would call. He learned the Rock Eisteddfod moves but was shuffled into a ‘boy-appropriate’ role (hint: he’s gay).In No, No, You First, alumnus Laurence Driscoll dives into fear, self-doubt, and finally stepping into the spotlight. A three-time returning guest alumni of the Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School, Laurence has helped multiple new comedians understand the industry; its quirks and its bitches.
Catch Laurence at the Museum of Chinese Australian History for a full run, from March 27 to April 20. Book here.
Lisa Gatenby – Barb Chucks a Party & Winni Wizard and The Ditzy Dizzard
Lisa Gatenby appeals to both the kids and adults, with Winni the Wizard, a goofy doofus, who’s ideal for ages 4+, and Barb, an alcoholic divorcee, who is more PG. As a graduate of the Hard Knock Knocks comedy school, Lisa first started performing pure stand-up comedy, before expanding into developing her comedic characters.
Alumna Lisa is performing as Barb at the Birmingham Hotel, March 29, April 5 & 12. Book here.
She’ll also be performing Winni Wizard at two venues, Ivanhoe Library and Kindred Studios, from April 5 to 17. Book here.
Marc Isaac – A Kilted Doc
Marc Isaac is gay. He’s autistic. He’s Scottish. Oh, and he’s also a doctor. Together, that makes him ‘A Kilted Doc’. Naughty would be an understatement. Funny is expected. Be prepared for some colourful stories, particularly if you’re eager to explore queer neurodivergence from medical, queer and manifestly autistic perspective. At that, he’s probably the most qualified.
Since graduating from the Hard Knock Knocks comedy course Marc has hit the ground running and performed his one-man shows at the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and 2024 Sydney Comedy Festivals, and this year has lined up Perth Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025, in that order.
Alumnus Marc Isaac is performing A Kilted Doc at the Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne for three nights only, April 17, 18 and 19.
Mazz Matta – Club Du Haha
Alumnus Mazz Matta presents Club Du Haha – a comedy experience like no other! This mind-bending show defies description, blending intellect, absurdity and hilarity into a production that must be seen to be believed. Even then, you might find yourself delightfully baffled. Prepare for comedy elevated to its highest, most vibrational form!
Watch the wacky Mazz at Speakeasy Theatre, Melbourne on three nights only, April 6, 13 and 20. Book here.
Michael Haber – No Downtime
You might have seen alumnus Michael Haber listed as the returning alumnus for the January Hard Knock Knocks Comedy Course. When he’s not performing comedy he knows the grind of corporate life all too well—endless spreadsheets, packed public transport, and little time for fun. Tired of the routine, he leapt into stand-up comedy, bringing his high-energy performances and signature moustache to the stage. He’s splitting his Melbourne International Comedy Show with fellow comedian Justin Little.
See the two perform at Ballers Clubhouse in Melbourne from March 27 to April 6. Book here.
Stella Wu – Amateur Hour
Hard Knock Knocks alumna and RAW Comedy National Finalist 2024 Stella Wu, brings her scything wit and effortless charm to the stage, offering a fresh take on the immigrant experience. Born in Hong Kong and now navigating life in Australia, Stella mines the cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and absurdities of living between two worlds. She’ll be joined on stage by dark comedian Yosef Bender.
See Stella and Yosef at the Speakeasy Theatre, Melbourne for three nights only 18, 19 and 20. Book here.
Vida Slayman – The Nutella Wars
Alumna and Adelaidian, Vida Slaymen returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2025 with her show, ‘The Nutella Wars’.
Vida’s show is packed with hilarious stories of growing up in conflict, moving to Australia, and the heartbreak of discovering that “ice cream” in the freezer was actually lentils.
Watch Vida Slayman at the Carlton Club, Melbourne on 26 – 30. Book here.
Zach Riley – Good Pill Hunting
Following a smash-hit run at the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Zach Riley returns to the stage with his newest solo project Good Pill Hunting, a hilarious exploration of life’s messiest moments.
Zach dives headfirst into the chaos of modern existence, navigating everything from the death of his father to being threatened by vertically challenged men in Ford Raptors (all whilst hunting for an anti-depressant that works).
See Alumnus Zach Riley perform at Collection Bar in Richmond from April 16 to 20. Book here.
And remember, if you like any of these comedians and want to book them for your sports club, event or party, then remember that they can be reached on the Gigme app.