Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
My name is Eli Matthewson, I was born in Christchurch in New Zealand and I am a comedian and writer. I work as the head writer on Jono and Ben, one of the biggest comedy shows in our little country, as well as writing and appearing on 7 Days and Funny Girls, and gig as a stand-up so many nights a week that it is definitely detrimental to my relationship with my boyfriend. I also love the three Ds; dinosaurs, Disney films and one more D that I don’t know if it’s appropriate to write here.
Tell us about your show?
My show is called “The Year of Magical F**king”. It covers the highs and lows of the year I spent trying to have a late-twenties sexual awakening. I read this Time Magazine article about how millennials are having less sex than their parents, and it inspired me to do my bit to reverse our statistics, and in doing so made a lot of mistakes, both on Grindr and in the real world. All those mistakes will be on display in what is a raunchy fun hour from a cute kiwi comedian you haven’t seen before.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is it different from other festivals?
It’s the biggest and best festival in the world, and as a comedian it feels like the place to be to see the best people working today. Plus the city itself is beautiful, and the beer is cheap.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I used to watch clips of Sarah Silverman on repeat as a teenager, and I grew up on campy classics like Death Becomes Her. I think my enjoyment of comedy turned into a full on love affair when I discovered Christopher Guest’s improvised mockumentaries - Waiting For Guffman is my favourite!
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
The news cycle is so fast these days that if you’re striving to write topical humour it can become out of date in like thirty minutes. I think trying to stay too up to date can distract you from finding the true core of what is really funny. But, in the midst of social change and movement, it is always good to check if your jokes still have a place in the current climate.
Equally, do you feel there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
The more gay rights progress around the world, and the more LGBT representation has increased, that’s allowed me to be more open to talking about deeper and more specific aspects of my life onstage.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Why are Nazis back?
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Make sure you schedule some time alone with your savings account, before you kiss it all goodbye.
And what advice do you wish you’d been given when entering the industry?
You will bomb. And you will be okay.
Where can people find, follow and like you online?
My website is elimatthewson.com
On twitter and Instagram I am @EliMatthewson and facebook.com/Elimatthewsoncomedy
Eli Matthewson: The Year of Magical F*cking is at Underbelly George Square – The Wee Coo from 1st – 27th August
For further information https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/eli-matthewson-the-year-of-magical-f-cking
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