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Nudity,witch-hunts,and a bit of dysfunction:The first comedy festival reviews are in

From a performer who taps into Lynchian surrealism to one sans pants,this year’s comedy festival is in full swing. Here are our latest reviews.

  • Hannah Francis,John Bailey,Mikey Cahill,Sonia Nair,Tyson Wray andVyshnavee Wijekumar

Latest

A stray cat ready for de-sexing at the Lost Dogs’ Home in North Melbourne.

City considers 24/7 cat curfew for Melbourne

The City of Melbourne is aiming to reduce the number of wildlife killed and pets lost or hurt on roads.

  • Cara Waters
Ambulances are seen outside the Palais Theatre in St Kilda.

Comedy Festival opening night abruptly cancelled after patron dies mid-show

The audience was forced to leave the Allstars Supershow performance after being told of the medical emergency.

  • Brittany Busch
Wallan Environment Group president Norbert Ryan,and former presidents Cr Claudia James and Rob Eldridge on Green Hill,Wallan,with Herne Swamp behind them.

Melbourne could have a new park 76 times the size of the Botanic Gardens – if government acts now

The land for a huge proposed park on Melbourne’s northern fringe could soon be lost to developers,the government has been warned.

  • Adam Carey
Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s big-spending agenda is in doubt.

Nick Reece’s big-spend agenda in doubt as Melbourne’s debt reaches historic levels

There is uncertainty over more of the lord mayor’s election promises,including a rates freeze,as a hostile council complains about the city’s mounting debt.

  • Rachael Dexter
Robbie Williams shows his appreciation to the crowd at the free surprise concert in Federation Square where he received the key to Melbourne.

Funding of free Robbie Williams concert under the spotlight

The lord mayor has declined to detail who funded the Fed Square event,at which the pop superstar was given the key to the city.

  • Cara Waters
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Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece with Robbie Williams to give him the key to the city at Federation Square.

Pop superstar Robbie Williams sparks council review over keys to the city honour

The British singer received the key to Melbourne before a crowd at Federation Square. But a donation to Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s election campaign and the late notice to councillors have raised questions.

  • Cara Waters
Railway Walk,Cheltenham

In my suburb we’re not snobs. But we look down on Black Rock and Brighton

My suburb is home to the real Fountain Lakes shopping centre,which extends ostentatiously over the top of eight lanes of the Nepean Highway.

  • Colin Hill
Dylan Cole,Melbourne International Comedy Festival Executive Director,and Louise Compagnone,Director of AI at Datacom. Datacom is partnering with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to introduce a new AI technology,which will allow festival goers to get tailored recommendations based on their interests and availability. Photograph by Paul Jeffers The Age BUSINESS 11 Mar 2025

Looking for the perfect night out? There’s an AI for that – no joke

The “Funny Finder” released for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival matches fans to their perfect show – with a little help from artificial intelligence.

  • Gemma Grant
New friends:Australian Army veterans Dominik Kul and Eamon Hale with Kul’s daughter Olivia,3,and Hale’s daughter Elizabeth,3.

Military veterans ditch the khaki for a parade of a different kind

A veterans’ march,but not as we know it,was held among Sunday joggers along Melbourne’s Tan.

  • Carolyn Webb