Jarryd Goundrey, a Melbourne-based comedian and TikTok viral sensation, is storming the Geelong Comedy Festival with his uproarious one-man show, "Incoming."
The Geelong Comedy Festival has pulled together an impressive lineup for its inaugural year, especially with the addition of remarkable performer.
Jarryd Goundrey, the Melbourne-based comedian and TikTok viral star, is on a nationwide tour with his smash-hit show Incoming and Geelong is next on his list. With each performance, he delves into his accidental enlistment in the army, his love for dogs with anxiety, and the trials of living with a “sensitive tummy.” But there’s one sweet twist to this story – a quest for the finest vanilla slice in Australia.
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Jarryd Goundrey’s life has been a rollercoaster of adventures, with each twist and turn inspiring his brand of comedy. But his comedy isn’t just about jokes; it’s a bittersweet tribute to his army days and a community he didn’t know he belonged to. Jarryd explains, “When I left the military I didn’t think about it much. Despite serving overseas, I hadn’t worn my medals or attended an Anzac day service. When I started doing comedy I spoke about some army material and veterans flocked to my shows… this show [Incoming] is for them and about them, a community who I didn’t know I was a part of and which is now a huge part of my life.
Transitioning from a combat soldier to a fine dining chef might seem like an unconventional career path, but for Jarryd, it was a natural progression. “Soldiers and chefs both have weird and twisted senses of humour,” he chuckles. “It didn’t take me long to get along in those environments.” And then came the internet, a realm he describes as home to “all the crazies”. It’s the place where his unique blend of comedy found its perfect audience.
With such a varied background, Jarryd has no shortage of material but it’s his stories about being in the military that have seen him amass quite a following on TikTok, where his takes on veteran life have seen him clock up over 10 million views. A comedian who never fails to delight the masses, Jarryd’s high-energy storytelling doesn’t just focus on his military stories, but also sees him draw heavily from real-life experiences.
“I speak about my family a lot,” he explains. “Being originally from Perth, my family hadn’t seen me perform until I had been doing it for four years. The first show my mum came to I looked out mid set and she was crying! I thought “oh no, I have said too much”. After the show, I raced and saw mum who confessed she was very proud and was so happy to see me do something I love.”
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Having shared the stage with comedy legends such as Jimeoin, Mark Normand, Kitty Flanagan, and others, to producing a top 100 comedy podcast and a substantial TikTok following, Jarryd has managed to leave a mark in the digital realm. Balancing traditional stand-up with digital content creation is a challenging act, but he recognises the synergy between the two. “It’s difficult,” he admits. “If I could have more of anything in the world, it would be time. But they go hand in hand. Stand-up is my first love, but a digital footprint is necessary for the entertainment business these days.I’m just happy that anyone enjoys anything I do! It’s surreal to meet people who know so much about me but I don’t know them.”
Embracing his first love, Jarryd’s latest show Incoming is more than just laughs; it’s about finding humour in life’s challenges. The show explores the trials of living with allergies, intolerances, and those unpredictable irritable bowels. Jarryd gleefully explains, “It’s all funny. I used to tease the people who couldn’t eat things, and as a chef, it’s the bane of our existence. Life has cruel justice. I am serving my sentence now.”
In a delightful twist, Jarryd’s show features a quest for Australia’s finest vanilla slice. However, he has a theory that might make Geelong’s bakeries a tad nervous. “I don’t expect to find a good one in Geelong. Because I have found a system out. The worse the town, the better the bakery. And Geelong is great. Shepparton on the other hand… just won the best vanilla slice competition, you do the math,” he laughs.
While Geelong’s vanilla slice reputation might be on the line, the city is due to make its mark with the three-day comedy event, featuring over 50 uproarious shows promise to set the city aglow. With a laugh-out-loud lineup that spans Geelong’s favourite haunts – from the delightful Beavs Bar to the vibrant hub of The Arborist, the hearty warmth of The Brewery Geelong, the mythical allure of Medusas, the majestic halls of Valhalla, and the uber-cool vibes of The Green Room – the city is about to be draped in a tapestry of side-splitting performances.
“A city of Geelong’s size needs its own dedicated comedy festival,” Jarryd adds. “I think this will be a huge success. And I am honoured to be a part of the first one. Geelong audiences have always been good to me.”
A huge three-day Comedy Festival is coming to Geelong in October
Incoming is not just a comedy show; it’s also a platform for a good cause. Jarryd often uses his platform and talent to not only entertain, but to inspire and educate veterans and the wider community on the importance of mental health and support for those who have served our country. For his upcoming performances, Jarryd has pledged that 10% of the show’s profits will go to support the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM). “Art heals,” he explains. “Veterans have wounds that can’t be seen. Art healed me, and it’s my obligation to help more people. ANVAM exhibits veterans’ work and gives people a sense of pride. It’s amazing, and I am honored to partner with them.”
As Jarryd prepares to dazzle the audience in Geelong on October 28th, he hopes the takeaway is simple yet profound: “I have done many things in my life. It’s okay to reinvent yourself.”
Don’t miss the chance to experience Jarryd Goundrey’s distinctive brand of comedy at the Geelong Comedy Festival. His performance promises a blend of laughter, life stories, and a quest for the perfect vanilla slice – an extraordinary amalgamation of comedy that you won’t want to miss.
Incoming, will be showing at Valhalla Taproom 12-14 Union Street Geelong on Saturday 28 October from 7:15 pm, tickets are $25 with 10% of the profits from this show will go to support the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM). Purchase tickets here.
