Episode 16 of This Week in Comedy lands right as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival celebrates its 40th year, and hosts Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes are right in the thick of it.
From the buzz of opening week to the chaos of late-night afterparties, Morry and Lily dive headfirst into festival season. They break down what’s hot this year, including the iconic Exford Hotel afterparty scene, rising stars like Bron Lewis hosting major gala events, and the continued rise of Aaron Chen, whose Netflix special drops mid-festival. It’s a snapshot of a comedy scene that’s bigger, faster, and more competitive than ever.
But it’s not all celebration. The hosts tackle a spicy industry topic: the influx of online content creators stepping onto live stages. Does a massive TikTok following translate to ticket sales? Is the festival becoming oversaturated? And can 'digital creator comedy' hold up under the unforgiving spotlight of stand-up? Morry and Lily unpack the growing tension between online fame and live performance, sharing insights from the circuit and their own experiences.
There’s also a nostalgic detour into comedy history, from The Office to early silent film icon Roscoe Arbuckle - a reminder that comedy has always evolved alongside culture (and controversy). Plus the duo have a sip of the Northern Red from Boat Rocker Brewers in Victoria.
The highlight of the episode is a brilliant, down-to-earth interview with rising star Jorgia Rice, fresh off winning the Victorian RAW Comedy finals. Just over a year into her stand-up journey, Jorgia chats about her rapid rise, humble beginnings in Frankston, and what it feels like to be heading to the national finals at Melbourne Town Hall. It’s equal parts inspiring and hilarious, showcasing exactly why she’s one to watch.
Plus, the usual mix of festival chatter, quirky comedy facts (yes, including pregnancy tests involving frogs), and a classic “funny in the moment” story featuring Bunnings sausages and a dog with a mullet.
Girls Just Wanna Have Puns show at MICF: Click here
Boat Rocker Brewers Northern Red: Click here
Business of Comedy Conference: Click here
Jorgia Rice's Hard Knock Knocks graduation performance: Click here