NZ comedian Rhys Mathewson on relapse, addiction and turning honesty into comedy
Comedian Rhys Mathewson has built a career on honesty, a path forged through grappling with addiction, relapse, and the often-disheartening realities of pursuing creative success. His journey, marked by both professional highs and deeply personal struggles, has led him to a place where vulnerability is not just accepted, but central to his comedic voice.
A Turning Point
Mathewson’s recent shift in approach began after a difficult therapy session where he realized his initial belief – that enough sober days would eliminate any desire to return to substance use – was flawed. This realization coincided with a chance encounter with fellow comedian Jeremy Wells, a moment that underscored the gap between his internal struggles and external perceptions of success. He subsequently decided to abandon previously workshopped material and embrace a completely honest approach to his comedy.
Battling Addiction and Finding a New Voice
Mathewson’s struggle centered around marijuana, a constant presence in his life “from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to sleep,” except when work demanded otherwise. He initially used it as a means of escape from difficult emotions – disappointment, sadness, anger, and shame – but ultimately found it stifled his momentum. He stopped on New Year’s Eve 2018, a decision made simply because he “just thought, ‘I’m going to stop’”.
The initial period of sobriety was challenging, marked by disrupted sleep, increased saliva production, and vivid dreams. However, he also experienced immediate emotional stabilization, a reduction in the wild swings between joy and despondency that had characterized his life while using. Despite these benefits, he admits to still missing the drug and acknowledging the temptation it presents.
The Evolution of Comedy
Mathewson’s experience reflects a broader shift in comedy towards authenticity. He attributes this change to the rise of internet culture and the sheer volume of comedic content available, creating a need for performers to offer something uniquely personal. He believes audiences can detect insincerity and that sharing his own experiences, even the painful ones, is crucial to connecting with them.
From Disappointment to Acclaim
After a period of struggle following a relapse, Mathewson began performing a show called 10th Rodeo, which he has been refining for two years. He discovered the show wasn’t about the relapse itself, but about the universal experience of making mistakes. He illustrates this theme onstage by repeatedly attempting – and often failing – to flip a water bottle onto a stool, a visual metaphor for the ongoing process of recovery and self-improvement.
Mathewson’s career has included winning both the Billy T Award and the Fred Award, the latter for best New Zealand show at the NZ International Comedy Festival. However, he experienced depression after winning the Fred, feeling the winning show wasn’t his best work and questioning whether he had reached his peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Rhys Mathewson to stop using marijuana?
He simply decided to stop, viewing it as a New Year’s resolution. He realized it was no longer providing the escape it once did and was hindering his progress.
What is the significance of the water bottle trick in his show?
It’s a visual representation of his journey through addiction, sobriety, relapse, and recovery, and a metaphor for the ongoing struggle and occasional failures inherent in the process of making mistakes and learning from them.
How has Mathewson’s approach to comedy changed over time?
He has moved towards a more honest and vulnerable style, focusing on sharing his personal experiences, including his struggles with addiction, rather than relying on more conventional comedic material.
As Rhys Mathewson continues to develop his act and share his story, what role do you think vulnerability will play in the future of comedy?