RHYS MATHEWSON Hombre Lobo
Basement Theatre Studio, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
26/04/2014 - 03/05/2014
NZ International Comedy Festival 2014
Production Details
FRESH BACK FROM THE UK COMEDY CIRCUIT AT THE 2014 NZ INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
Hombre Lobo is Spanish for werewolf, which to Rhys is a symbol of change. The only thing that is not changing is the fact that things are changing, which makes Rhys wonder when all of these things are going to stay the same for a change? Hombre Lobo is a show about transformation, possibly. That might change… And besides all this he is 23 years old, he loves werewolves.
Rhys is one of New Zealand’s best young professional comedians. He has spent the last year in the UK polishing his comedy gold at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and on the UK Comedy circuit, and now he is back in Auckland on the 26 April and 29 April – 3 May.
Rhys’ energy and youthful take on complex issues has seen him recognized as a comedic force among his local and international peers. Rhys was plucked out of obscurity in 2006 as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival’s Class Comedians programme. His talents were recognized by the industry and he soon began gigging professionally and returned to perform ensemble shows at the Festival while at still at school. Then in 2009 his first solo show “The Best $18 You’ll Ever Spend” won him the Festival’s “Best Newcomer” Award and the critic’s respect and in 2010 he became the youngest ever winner of the coveted Billy T Comedy Award.
Rhys’ charm, self deprecating humour, his wonderful story telling talents combined with his perfectly delivered on-liners and physical presence makes him a joy to watch.
“this ferociously talented young comic’s got them eating out of his hands” tvnz.co.nz, 2011
“…strong material, a winning charm and some vicious risqué one liners – coupled with some very intelligent and genuinely funny stuff…” tvnz.co.nz
As part of the 2014 NZ International Comedy Festival in cahoots with Old Mout Cider, grab some mates and join us for a great night of laughs from 24 April – 18 May.
For the full Comedy Fest show line-up head to comedyfestival.co.nz
AUCKLAND
Dates: Sat 26 & Tues 29 April – 3 May, 8.45pm
Venue: The Basement Studio, Level1, Lower Greys Ave, City
Tickets: Adults $23, Conc. $20
Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) // ticketek.co.nz
Website: www.creepingcharlie.co.nz
Theatre , Stand-up comedy ,
A true wordsmith
Review by Gabrielle Beran 27th Apr 2014
Freshly returned from the UK comedy circuit, Kiwi Rhys Mathewson’s solo offering shows the fine-tuning that he has undergone in the past few years. This is a marvellous performance.
It may be impossible to convey the sense of magic that pervades last night’s performance. Mathewson is a wizard of jokes, conjuring up layers of hilarity in his anecdotes, observations and general nerdiness. While his approach is casual and he confesses he has not actually timed the set yet, his professionalism stands out when dealing with a rather too-keen-to-be-involved punter and genuinely interacting with the audience.
It is wonderful to have Mathewson appreciate the reactions of his audience as much as we appreciate his jokes. He is a true wordsmith and to this reviewer’s delight, there are enough puns and pop-culture references to delight all ages.
The theme of man being like a werewolf is a great springboard but it is a little disappointing when he returns to that theme and gets philosophical towards the end. Maybe that is because you have just heard some of the funniest things ever to be said and want more. There is a nice mix of local and international links in his set and more than once I laugh so hard I can’t breathe.
If you like laughing (so that’s everybody) please, just go and see it for yourself.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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