This rapid rise has seen Matthewson twice nominated for a Billy T Award, which recognises New Zealand comedians with outstanding potential. Indeed, this potential has been on full display in his home country for years with the comedian owning acting and writing credits on Jono and Ben and Funny Girls, as well as being a regular contributor on both 7 Days and The Edge. Above all else however, it has been stand up that has come to define Matthewson, and for good reason.
The Christchurch native’s latest show, The Year of the Magical Fucking looks to build upon his already formidable reputation in the stand-up world. And apart from having arguably the best named show of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Matthewson’s latest effort will look to explore some important issues.
“Millennials are having less sex than our parents,” said Matthewson. “We are on our phones too much and clearly we are ignoring the bigger picture.” While this bigger picture may present itself as an awkward proposition to others, Matthewson sees it as a chance to inspire.
Of course, just from this it would be easy to pigeonhole the comedian as an easy-going and fun talent, and while both are true, they also undermine the challenges Matthewson has faced in getting to where he is today. An openly gay comedian, he has experienced a somewhat different path to relevancy than some of his contemporaries.
“I was worried my first show was too gay,” he says. “I dated a few girls before I came out, and some of my experiences with them were quite terrible as you can imagine. One of them was obsessed with fairies, so much so that she had toy ones all around the house.”
The brilliance of the Auckland-based comedian is in his ability to make light of the uncomfortable, yet to ignore the story behind the joke would be to ignore the greater plight.
“I’ve tried to lessen my gayness with some of my other shows, but I’ve reached a point now where I feel I should be as gay as I want to be,” says Matthewson. “I don’t have to be a gay comedian, I can just be a comedian. It doesn’t have to be an issue – it’s just me.”
By Declan Harrick
Venue: Forum Theatre – Carpet Room
Dates: Tuesday April 11 – Sunday April 23 (bar Mondays)
Duration: 55 minutes
Tickets: $18 – $22
