Grace Jarvis, a comedian with a unique perspective, works at a sex shop, providing her with a wealth of material for her routines.
Jarvis, who describes herself as an “autistic glamourpuss”—a nod to her autism and her fondness for dresses—has become a notable figure in the comedy scene, particularly after being recognized as a standout performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year. She is set to showcase her latest autobiographical stand-up show, titled Getting Dragged Backwards Through a Hedge, at the 40th Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).
This new show touches on themes of love and her experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe while also delving into deeper, darker insights drawn from her unique life experiences.
We had the opportunity to speak with the London-based comedian, who also hosts a podcast focused on discussing pain and personal experiences, to learn more about her journey into comedy, her reasons for working in a sex shop, and why certain aspects of her identity are less visible in her performances.
Reflecting on her first stand-up experience, Jarvis recalled, “It was in Brisbane at the end of my first university year, where I hadn’t made any friends. I was following comedians on Twitter and saw a post about an open mic nearby. Since I was 18 and could enter bars, I decided to check it out.”
She remembers the moment vividly: “It was a Sunday afternoon at a bar called The Bearded Lady, and the audience consisted of other open mic performers. I thought, ‘I can do this.’ After practicing my set with my dad and a friend, I returned the following week, performed, and received laughter. That’s when I realized I wanted to pursue comedy for life.”
Jarvis continued to perform in Brisbane until she graduated, after which she relocated to Melbourne. However, the onset of the pandemic prompted her to seek opportunities in London, where she currently resides. “I wanted to explore a city with more consistent gigs,” she explained. “In Melbourne, it’s challenging for comedians to sustain a full-time career outside of the festival, given the limited arts scene in Australia.”
In London, she has found success, continuing to work part-time at the sex shop, which provides her with both enjoyment and rich material for her comedy. “I’ve had the chance to perform at renowned venues like The Comedy Store and even met my boyfriend here,” she shared.
When asked about her job in the sex shop, Jarvis revealed that it was an impulsive decision. “I walked by a shop that was hiring and submitted my resume, including quotes from my show reviews as references since I didn’t have much other experience. They hired me on the spot.”
Jarvis recounted one particularly unusual interaction with a customer: “Someone rushed in looking for a large amount of lubricant. I only had a limited supply, and I was left wondering if they were hosting an orgy or if someone was in trouble.” She finds the dynamic of working in a sex shop interesting, noting how it flips the usual social norms. “I feel at ease while others seem uncomfortable, often avoiding eye contact and struggling to communicate,” she explained. “As someone who struggles with subtext, I often need them to clarify what they mean.”
She acknowledged that while her job has provided plenty of material, she has stopped actively noting down her experiences. “The more time I spend there, the more I forget how strange some interactions are—it just becomes part of the job.”
Jarvis also emphasized the importance of her part-time role, particularly given her health challenges. “In previous casual jobs, I pushed myself to meet expectations and ended up exhausted and in pain. Working in a sex shop allows me to manage my hours better, as I’m disabled.”
She credits the pandemic with prompting a change in her perspective regarding her disabilities. “I realized I had been masking my challenges, and after being diagnosed with autism during this time, I understood my struggle with social interactions better.” She added that later she was also diagnosed with ADHD, which further clarified her experiences. “I had to reassess my limitations and acknowledge the toll of pretending to be ‘normal’ for so long.”
Fortunately, Jarvis has had the unwavering support of her parents, which has allowed her to reevaluate her life and align her career with her capabilities. “It’s incredible to think I didn’t receive a diagnosis sooner. I always felt like an outsider in social settings, like a cartoon character in a movie about real people,” she remarked. “It’s been a journey to embrace my true self.”
