Breaking the 160-word rule for this one, because too much greatness to fit!

We got to spend three nights taking in three acts a night at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and scored a ripper selection of story tellers who can make you think and feel at the same time.

Zoë Coombs Marr with Lou Wall supporting: been following Zoë since her Dave days and just keeps getting sharper; Wall also superb

Laura Davis: her Albatross show was unaffected, personal and affecting — why haven’t I heard of her before?

Claire Hooper MCing a late-night line-up of 10 for $10 – mileage varies but a good intro to up-and-comers

Celia Pacquola: seen her on screen, first time on stage, and thoroughly enjoyable

Rose Bishop: handling some tough material with aplomb – fabulous

Ali McGregor curating a late-night line-up: one comedian down, but the three guests (inc Hannah Gadsby) and McGregor’s singing backed by a tight jazzy three-piece brought it home

Hannah Gadsby supported by Bronwyn Kuss: fab duo, Gadsby not letting her rise change much at all but the quality of her hotel rooms

Chloe Petts: from the UK, another highlight combining laughs with commentary and rolling with the audience – top shelf

Finished off in the same room as Petts with another variety act, anchored on PowerPoint presentations: fun way to finish

MICF runs till 21 April 2024.