Rhys Mathewson Photo: Supplied
A professional in the comedy scene for more than a decade now, Rhys Mathewson knew he was going to pursue comedy as a career after taking part in Class Comedians in 2006 at the age of 15.
From that point, his star has been steadily on the rise. He won Best Newcomer for his first solo show in 2009 and, just a year later at the age of 19, he became the youngest person to be awarded the Billy T Award. He has since also won the Fred Award for Best New Zealand Show in 2016.
Matthewson is now one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable comedians.
Rhys Mathewson joins Culture 101 for Fast Favourites.
Firstly, he recommends a magic show. Mathewson saw In and Of Itself by Derek Delgaudio live in New York but it’s been filmed and is now available on Disney+. Mathewson describes it as beautiful, exploring who we are, how we see ourselves and how others perceive us.
Mathewson is also recommending Survivor (TVNZ+) - the reality show that appears to have a loyal and diehard fanbase. The comedian says simply, “I love it.”
Mathewson is urging people to go see comedy this festival season. He recommends comedians Laura Daniel, Lana Walters, Guy Williams, Celeste De Frietas and all the Billy T nominees.
Reflecting on the New Zealand comedy industry, he says, pound for pound, it’s the best in the world.
“You take any other country's comedians, give them our limited stage time and they would be half as good as we are.”
Mathewson says the NZ comedy community is brimming with inventiveness, hilarity and heart.
“On top of that, it's criminally underpriced. For the price of seeing a touring comedian you could pick three things to see in the festival and have three great nights instead of one.”
10th Rodeo is at Q Theatre Loft in Auckland from 22-25th May.
