Eli Matthewson - Funny As Interview

Starting out in Christchurch with the aim of becoming a serious actor, comedian Eli Matthewson has found his place further north — in stand-up, and as a writer for television. In this Funny As interview he talks about his career, including:

• His obsession with What Now? spin-off This is Serial Stuff, and doing an impression of Serial Stuff character Sports Susie
• The popularity of Theatresports in Christchurch, and winning the competition in 2006 as part of a team from Riccarton High School
• Being inspired by actor Rima Te Wiata while working with her at Christchurch’s Court Theatre
• Deciding to pursue stand-up comedy, after watching as much stand-up as he could while acting at the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• The genesis of Auckland’s late night improv show Snort
• Being a gay voice in comedy, how the needs of the audience have changed, and only being heckled by middle-aged women
• Writing for TV show Funny Girls as a (gay) man

This interview was recorded for 2019 TV series Funny As: The Story of New Zealand Comedy. All audiovisual content is copyright to Augusto, and may not be reproduced. Publication of Funny As extended interviews made possible with funding from the NZ Lotteries Grants Board.