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.
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