Eli Matthewson
Photo: Andi Crown Photography

As the only boy in a family of five children, Eli Matthewson was well prepared for a career as a comedian.

“I immediately attracted a lot of attention and had great privileges in my family because all my siblings had to share a room,” laughs Matthewson.

Although he was not the youngest, Matthewson said he embodied the energy of a youngest child.

In addition to his stand-up career, the comedian and author has experience both in front of and behind the screens and has written for television shows such as Golden Boy And On the way homepublished on The Treasure Island of the Stars and hosting Edge Breakfast Show in 2022.

Matthewson was 21 when he came out to his family as gay. Seven years later, his father, then in his 60s, also came out. His parents had long been divorced.

“I don’t know what impact my coming out had on him, but yeah, it was pretty amazing. I never expected anything like that.”

When Matthewson recalled the reaction after he came out, he said his father fell silent.

“At the time I thought it was a derogatory comment, but the next day he invited me to dinner and was very supportive.

“I guess it took him a while to think about his own sexuality.”

Matthewson was able to support his father when he came out and told him before he told his other siblings.

“That has changed in our relationship – we are more equal now.”

It also became content for his comedy show Harvestman Shortlegwhich his father saw five times.

“Dad is very pleased with it and I think he is delighted to receive so much praise!”

Eli Matthewson joins Culture 101 as a “Fast Favourites” guest.

For his book selection he recommends The Rachel Incident by Caroline Donahue. He watched The devil’s plan – a South Korean reality game show with 12 highly intelligent celebrity contestants; Girl 5eva – a contemporary sitcom about a girl band hoping for a revival after a one-hit wonder in the 2000s, and a comedy special, Get on your knees by Jacqueline Novak, who saw Matthewson twice at the Edinburgh Fringe before the Netflix special came out.

Eli Matthewson tours with the NZ International Comedy Festival show Night terror this month at Basement Theatre 21 from August 23-24, at Fringe Bar in Wellington from September 6-7 and at Meteor Theatre in Hamilton on September 27.