The Melbourne International Comedy Festival kicks off for another year next week - I’m slowly making progress on booking all the shows I want to catch.

If you’re keen to do the same, here are my recommendations for this year based on previous excellent performances:

• Adam Kay
• Ali McGregor
• Celia Pacquola
• Ed Byrne
• Felicity Ward
• Fern Brady
• Geraldine Hickey
• Hannah Gadsby
• Laura Davis
• Nina Conti
• Sarah Keyworth
• Wil Anderson
• Zoë Coombs Marr

Also, for fans of Daniel Kitson: he’ll be here in June for a show during the Rising Festival. I wouldn’t class it as storytelling or comedy - it’s really just a great bit of fun.

As always: if you come across any great shows, do let me know!