We had a conversation with Eli Matthewson, an acclaimed New Zealand comedian, writer, and podcaster about his new show Night Terror, a sharp, relatable and comedic look into the chaos of life.
The show runs at the Underbelly George Square from July 30th to August 24th. For tickets and more information go to https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/eli-matthewson-night-terror.
Eli, first of all – the title of your show is gripping! How did this late-night moment of accidental strangulation become the heart of your new stand-up hour?
I have a sickness where every monumental moment of my life becomes a stand-up hour – and shout out to all my friends, partners and family members who have allowed me to talk about these moments on stage. I don’t know if anyone reading has ever woken up to being strangled, but it’s pretty intense! So naturally I started telling the story to anyone who would listen and the more I did the more it made people laugh… obviously I had to get permission from my boyfriend who very graciously is happy for me to talk about how he thought I was an intruder and tried to kill me.
It sounds like the show balances some very real existential dread with a lot of comedy. What do you hope audiences take away from it?
The night terror that happened was a result of me and my boyfriend buying a house for the first time, then immediately getting robbed multiple times and how terrifying that was. Basically, for the first time in our lives we had some actual possessions worth some actual money, and immediately we were getting robbed. But ultimately, what I have come to realise, is all of that stuff that was stolen is just that… stuff! And the stuff we own is in no way the most important thing about our lives. So, I guess the message is about caring less about material goods, but mainly I want the audience to leave happy and having laughed a lot.
You were part of New Zealand’s first ever same-sex pairing on Dancing With the Stars, and you’re a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. How does your identity shape the way you tell stories on stage – especially ones about love, fear, and vulnerability?
It’s funny because even if I am aiming to not write a specifically “gay” joke or story, it is amazing how much being queer affects so many different facets of your life. I can’t book an AirBnb without being reminded that I’m gay, when I get an Uber with my boyfriend I’m reminded that I’m gay… so many day to day “normal” experiences are different for queer people than they are for the straighties. I wouldn’t say I set out specifically to tell queer stories but by telling honest stories about my life I guess I constantly am. I didn‘t come out till my twenties and my dad, who is also gay (I know – stole my thing!) didn’t come out till his sixties, but I feel like by telling our stories onstage I can show how much happier we both are and how we are fully ourselves since coming out.
You’re poking fun at yourself throughout the show – but there’s also a clear thread of self-awareness and reflection. What kind of conversation are you hoping the show sparks with audiences afterwards?
A big part of this show’s story is about my journey with money. I grew up in a big family with not a lot of money, then I’ve been a comedian not earning a whole lot for a while, then I suddenly had the experience of earning quite a bit for one year. It’s amazing how when you can finally afford some things it doesn’t necessarily mean your life is any happier or better. As soon as we had some possessions, we immediately became scared about losing them, instead of actually being grateful that we had them. I hope that when people leave they can reflect on their own relationship with money, although what I have found based on the messages I get after the show is that I have mainly been igniting some real arguments about which side of the bed people sleep on. But that is an important issue too!
What’s one thing your younger self would be most surprised to learn about your current life – the stand-up career or the home security system?
100% the security cameras. I don’t think young me would have ever thought I’d be a home owner, let alone one who has spent so much time feeling anxious about break-ins. That said – I reckon I saw myself more as a Shakespearean actor so I would probably be also a little let down I’m telling dick jokes instead of performing soliloquies. Although, to be honest, there’s a lot of dick jokes in Shakespeare too.
Eli Matthewson: Night Terror will be performed at 8.50pm in Underbelly George Square (Wee Coo) from 30th July – 24th August (not 11th)
For tickets and more information, visit: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/eli-matthewson-night-terror