INCOMING - Jarryd Goundrey
By Grace Watson
Jarryd Goundrey spent the first half of his adult life as an infantry soldier in the army.
Okay, we admit, that’s not the usual beginning to a comedian’s biography.
But for Jarryd, who is embarking on his debut Comedy Festival show this year Incoming, this chapter in his story is about to take the spotlight.
It’s often said the best comedy is born from true stories. And while military service isn’t immediately assumed to be the funniest of environments, Jarryd entertainingly shares anecdotes from this time, with masterful wit, daring cheekiness, and heartfelt honesty.
Indeed, it was during moments of casually sharing about his life with others that Jarryd realized his service experience could intersect with his passion for comedy and performance.
It was other comedians that told me the Army was funny. Often performing comedy there can be a 4-hour long car trip between the show, and comedians love to talk. It wasn't long before people were fascinated by my past.
From this realization, Jarryd got to work developing Incoming, and now after much anticipation, it is ready to make its debut.
Despite 2 years of Covid shutdowns, in his 5 years performing on Australia’s national comedy circuit, Jarryd has seen huge success. He has opened for Kitty Flanagan, Dave O’Neil, Jimeoin, Dave Thornton, Tom Ballard and has performed to audiences in every Australian state. It’s been a busy 5 years! But for Jarryd, these have been the most fulfilling of his life.
“I love comedy so much because it allows me to be in the moment. It is possibly the only time I am in the moment. It is impossible to hide behind anything whilst in front of an audience. and it is nothing short of exhilarating. Since doing comedy I am the happiest I have ever been.”
Partnering with the Australian National Veterans Art Museum (ANVAM) in their current March to Art: Voice exhibition, Jarryd is presenting Incoming as a performance not only to entertain but to also bring a greater awareness of the veteran community.
ANVAM is a veteran-led, national cultural institution, with the mission to promote the wellbeing of the veteran community through facilitated arts programs. ANVAM provides the veteran artist community with important opportunities to exhibit and showcase their work and, in doing so, bring veterans’ stories to the audiences, both nationally and abroad. This includes award-winning exhibitions, events, and curated collections.
Jarryd generously volunteers with ANVAM and is a beloved member of their creative community. On the 14th of April, Jarryd is delivering a special performance of Incoming in partnership with ANVAM. You can find out more about this performance and ANVAM’s work through their website https://www.anvam.org.au/.
So, are you up for a good time?! Ready for a laugh!? What are you waiting for?!
Book your tickets now to see Incoming live at the Melbourne comedy festival here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/index.php/2022/shows/incoming
We can’t wait to see you there!