Was performance and writing something you were always interested in? Can you tell us a bit about the path that has led you to where you are now?
I came to UC originally to study Mass Communications, but I quickly switched to doing English and Classics; I think because I just wanted to read good books and learn good stories. I was working at the Court Theatre at the time doing Scared Scriptless and some kids shows, and I think I knew I wanted to go into performing full-time, but knew I needed some life experience too. Even though I wasn't studying acting, learning about myths and reading some of the great novels and plays would inform what I did later a lot. I even did a full stand-up show called Myth and Legend, with the aim of finally using my Classics degree professionally.
There is incredible comedic talent that has come out of Aotearoa, and Ōtautahi specifically! Do you feel a camaraderie with each other when performing on the world’s stage?
There's something in the water in Ōtautahi! I don't know what it is but so many of us have come from the burbs of Christchurch, and we have stuck together. I still work regularly with a bunch of my friends from university - Emma Cusdin, Alice Canton, Brynley Stent, Hamish Parkinson and heaps more!
Maybe it’s like picking your favourite child but what do you reckon is your favourite project to date, or one you are really proud of?
I'm really proud of the improv company I co-founded in Tamaki Makaurau, Snort. We started back in 2013 and are about to embark on our tenth year. We have kept doing the show every Friday night at The Basement theatre, and that comedy community has given us not only a great group of people to work with but has also helped us get jobs in TV and film. I'm so proud of the show, and it still makes me laugh a lot every time I do it or watch it.
On the flipside, what is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
I'm in an industry with a lot of uncertainty, where you never know where the next job might be, and you face rejection all the time. Fortunately, I've got great people around me, and I've learnt how to make my own work during those times where no one wants to give me any.
Were you involved in any clubs or extra-curriculars during your time at UC?
I went hard with Dramasoc and Musoc while I was there and did just about every show I could. Did it get in the way of my studies? Maybe a couple of times... but it was worth it! Made amazing friends and did some great shows. We literally thought our production of Trainspotting was world class but looking back my Scottish accent very possibly wasn't even remotely close.
What advice would you give to student about to start their UC journey?
Get out there and meet as many people as you can! The friends I made at UC are still in my life, and so many of the experiences I had are among my favourite memories. Also use that first year to try some different things - you don't need to be absolutely certain of what you want to do right away - I sure wasn't!
Check out Eli Matthewson, one of our Creatives profiles in our 150th Alumni Showcase here.
