National Grand Final Hosts

From the classroom to the world stage, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s legendary development programs have helped launch some of Australia’s biggest comedy careers — and in 2026, that legacy is more recognisable than ever.

For decades, the Festival has been discovering, nurturing and championing new voices through its unrivalled suite of programs: Class Clowns, RAW Comedy, Deadly Funny, Comedy Zone and Up Next Comedy. Together, they form a proven pathway for emerging comedians – building confidence, craft and careers, and ensuring Australian comedy continues to evolve, diversify and thrive.

CLASS CLOWNS NATIONAL GRAND FINAL hosted by Anisa Nandaula

After a month-long national search for the country’s brightest young comedy talent, the Class Clowns 2026 National Grand Final brings together the very best emerging performers for an unforgettable finale – where one rising star will earn ultimate classroom bragging rights as Australia’s Funniest High-Schooler.

Class Clowns is a national secondary school comedy competition inviting young people to unleash their creativity through stand-up, sketch, musical comedy or physical performance. Since its inception, the program has been a vital launchpad for young talent, with alumni including Joel Creasey, Rhys Nicholson, Annie Louey, Aaron Chen, William McKenna, Josh Thomas and many more.

The Class Clowns National Grand Final will take place on Thursday 2 April, 11.30am at Melbourne Town Hall.

RAW COMEDY NATIONAL GRAND FINAL hosted by Luke McGregor

Marking 30 years of unearthing emerging Australian comedy superstars, the RAW Comedy National Grand Final remains the ultimate proving ground for the nation’s next comedy sensations.

After three months of scouring the country for the sharpest material, bravest jokes and boldest new voices, the 2026 national finalists take to the Melbourne Town Hall stage to battle it out, laugh after laugh, for the title of RAW Comedy Champion.

There’s no better place to see the future of Australian comedy. RAW Comedy alumni include Anne Edmonds, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Matt Okine, Becky Lucas, Aaron Chen, Sarah Kendall, Celia Pacquola, Luke McGregor, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Bron Lewis, Sam Campbell, Georgie Carroll, Luke Heggie, Danielle Walker and many more.

The RAW Comedy National Grand Final will take place on Sunday 12 April, 5pm at Melbourne Town Hall.

DEADLY FUNNY NATIONAL GRAND FINAL hosted by Ghenoa Gela

For the past year, this deadly competition has travelled across the country to uncover the freshest and funniest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander comedians and storytellers from the world’s oldest continuing culture.

Featuring the 2026 national finalists alongside special guest performances, the Deadly Funny National Grand Final is a powerful Festival showcase – celebrating First Nations voices, perspectives and stories with humour, heart and impact.

More than a comedy show, Deadly Funny is a space where stories are shared, laughs come hard and fast, and everyone is welcome.

The Deadly Funny National Grand Final will take place on Saturday 11 April, 3pm at Arts Centre Melbourne.