After the downer that was 2020, we could all use a few laughs right now. And the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is happy to provide them, returning for a huge 2021 edition from Wednesday, March 24–Sunday, April 18. As always, it's dishing up a bumper program of stand-up shows, comedy showcases and other hilarious events — all featuring a top-shelf lineup of both local and international acts.

You can catch global stars like Arj Barker, Carl Donnelly and Ross Noble working their magic in solo performances, or do a little globe-trotting at the International Comedy Showcase. The 31st Annual Great Debate will see six of your favourite funny folk duel it out in a battle of comedic critical thinking, while the undisputed queens of comedy take the stage for all-female extravaganza Upfront.

There's also the Comedy Commutes series, inviting punters to enjoy some fresh talent right there in their own 'hood, starring Luke Heggie, Dolly Diamond, Claire Hooper and more. The Comedy Zone shines a spotlight on the next generation of stars, slinging laughs from the likes of Andrew Portelli, Tor Snyder and Floyd Alexander-Hunt. And of course, much-loved comedy venues across the city are firing up nightly for a smorgasbord of gigs and events, including the Comedy Theatre, the Butterfly Club and Chapel off Chapel.

Top image: Jim Lee.