• Michael Bachelard

British-born Josie Long delivers more than enough intelligent delights to carry a hugely entertaining night.

• Craig Platt

Andy Zaltzman's pre-show announcement full of wry observations, clever wordplay and brilliantly conceived similes sets the tone for the show to follow.

• Thomas Hounslow

The Gruen takes pot-shots at some obvious targets, but his unique energy makes us feel like we are learning something new.

• Angus Holland

Paul Foot has pared his act back to something akin to the traditional pub stand-up that launched his career. It's still brilliant, but not completely satisfying this time around.

• Anne-Marie Peard

Jenny Eclair will leave you laughing the next time you look in a mirror and say "f---ing hell".

• Hannah Francis

The veteran Irish songman is feeling philosophical.

• Dan Harrison

Being a Bachie fan is certainly not a prerequisite for enjoying this show.

• Cameron Woodhead

Liz Carr is a better debater – and much funnier – than leading pro-euthanasia figure Dr Philip Nitschke.

• Cameron Woodhead

The cabaret artist's songs are up there with those of Tim Minchin and Eddie Perfect.

• Cameron Woodhead

Justin Heazlewood's eccentric, wildly unpredictable stage presence may just be your catnip.

• Hannah Francis

Melbourne comic sells his personal quirks unlike anybody else.

• Lucy Battersby

It's the most relaxing show you'll see at the festival and the cheapest therapy session in town.

• Stephanie Bunbury

The English comedian and one-time co-presenter with John Oliver was relieved when he realised he didn't have to do "observational humour".

• Stephanie Bunbury

A decade ago journalist Stephanie Bunbury witnessed Irish comedian David O'Doherty's self-confessed worst gig ever. But as she tells it, it wasn't so bad.

• Annabel Ross

The British comedian and contemporary of Russell Brand and Noel Fielding shares, with the latter especially, a particularly bonkers and often divisive style of humour.

• Hannah Francis

Veteran comedians Denise Scott and Judith Lucy didn't even get out of bed to launch the 31st festival.

• Ron Cerabona

This award-winning young comedian sings songs based on her life that people can relate to.

• Debbie Cuthbertson

They've supported Ed Sheeran and been to Adelaide Fringe five times. Now the double act hits Melbourne International Comedy Festival for the first time.

• Stephanie Bunbury

You only have to see the beaming expat South Africans cluster round Loyiso Gola after a gig to realise how big he is back home.

• Stephanie Bunbury

Depression and shame may not sound like the stuff of comedy, but Richard Gadd's show ''Monkey See Monkey Do'' has been a critical and popular hit.

• Carolyn Webb

Artisan Fabian Scaunich says the once broken and dirty floor of 200,000 pieces will be ready for the Comedy Festival launch on March 28.

• Lenny Ann Low

Fabulous Sydney Comedy Festival must-sees you need to hear about

• Barry Divola

He is considered the greatest English comedian and storyteller of his generation, but hecklers at his gigs should watch out.

• James Hughes

Like voice itself, human laughter is endlessly, subtly, distinctive.

• Sarah Thomas

The actor, comedian, writer, director and producer is heading to Australia in June as part of his world stand-up tour