Rhys Mathewson is truly a product of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
Starting out as a member of the Class Comedians' programme in 2006 and working up to the RAW comedy competitions, the 19-year-old is fired up to be making his third appearance at the festival.
"I've been watching the gala
The 2010 Billy T Award nominee's show, Rhyspect, tells the tale of "how I became who I am".
"Being in university over the last few years, I've naturally been on a self-discovery journey. I'm happy to report that I've realised that comedy is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
The show's director, Jan Maree, who met him at Class Comedians, says Mathewson showed promise right from the get-go.
"He was a stand-out - very edgy, comedy just came naturally to him. I could see he definitely had a gift."
As his mentor, Maree says it's interesting seeing him "coming into his own as a young man. Gone are the days when he would just take my comments and run with them. It's great to see him stand up to my comments and fight for his gags now that he's more developed as a comedian."
And the "rhyspect" is mutual. Mathewson, of Greenhithe, says: "I really trust Jan's judgement. When trying out new material, if she says it's not funny, I know to listen to her."
Rhys Mathewson in Rhyspect, The Classic Studio, Level 1, 321 Queen St,
May 12-15, 10pm. Tickets: ph 0800 842 538 or see www.ticketek.co.nz
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