Comedy Festival

Their business is funny, and business is booming

EACH AUTUMN, THE world’s third biggest comedy festival takes over what seems like every corner of Melbourne – from our biggest theatres to tiny rooms turned into makeshift comedy clubs. But what does it take to produce a festival with 616 shows, and what does it take to stand out and attract an audience? We spoke to some of the people working at this year’s festival – both behind the scenes and in front of a crowd – about one of our favourite events on Melbourne’s calendar (running March 27 to April 21).