The deadpan comic winning over Australian audiences

GEELONG audiences are in for a stellar night of comedy as award-winning Kiwi comic Ray O’Leary brings his trademark deadpan delivery, slow-burn punchlines and signature grey suit to Geelong Arts Centre.

After earning critical acclaim across the Australia in recent months, the comedian’s I Can See O’Leary Now the Ray Has Gone tour arrives in Geelong on Saturday.

A familiar face on Australian television, O’Leary regularly appears on Channel 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God You’re Here and CheapSeats, as well as SBS’s Patriot Brains.

The Kiwi larrakin leans into his academic appearance with glasses, a grey suit and monotone delivery before disarming audiences with his jokes.

O’Leary has shared the stage with the Flight of the Conchords and Rhys Darby and recently appeared on season four of Taskmaster New Zealand.

Having travelled to Geelong three times before, he regards the region as a “New Zealand metropolis” and the country’s equivalent of the “big smoke”.

“I always enjoy performing there in Geelong. They’re a wonderful crowd and it’s always good to get up there, or down there, or left or right, whatever way it is.

“Geelong always cops it fair whack from Melburnians, but if it was a city in New Zealand it would be the big smoke.

“The guys are in for a treat. They will get the best of the show because it’s been all over the country already. It’s perfected and ready to go for Geelong.”

He said the audience could expect a polished show built around his trademark deadpan style and observations about the mundane parts of everyday life.

“If I express any kind of energy on stage, I’d highly recommend the audience get in touch with some doctors because I’ve obviously taken something. There shouldn’t even be an inch of excitement,” O’Leary said.

“I’ve always just had that style. I would act and emote if I could, but I just can’t. I believe I am limited in my performance capabilities, so I just go with what I’ve got.”

Tickets are available at geelongartscentre.com