Rhys Mathewson, the New Zealand comedian known for his sharp wit and observational humor, is finding new depth in his work by confronting his personal struggles with addiction head-on. What began as a frightening relapse after five years of sobriety has evolved into a critically acclaimed and deeply honest comedy show, “10th Rodeo,” that’s resonating with audiences through its vulnerability and relatable exploration of mistakes.
The turning point came in January 2024, when a prescription for tramadol, intended to manage a herniated disc, triggered a slide back into old patterns. Mathewson initially downplayed the increased dosage and frequency of the medication, justifying it as temporary relief. As he recounted to his therapist, he was operating under the belief that he could “smoke them while you’ve got them” and then simply return to a sober life. It was his therapist who directly identified the behavior as a relapse, a realization Mathewson described as “scary” and “confronting,” feeling like the undoing of years of hard work.
The comedian’s journey to sobriety began with a New Year’s Eve resolution in 2018 to quit marijuana, a substance he’d used “from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to sleep.” While he initially experienced physical discomfort – disrupted sleep, increased saliva production, and vivid dreams – he quickly felt a newfound emotional stability. However, maintaining that stability proved to be a continuous process, and the temptation to relapse lingered.
The relapse wasn’t immediately public. In fact, Mathewson continued performing, but felt a growing disconnect between his material and his internal state. A chance encounter with fellow comedian Jeremy Wells shortly after the relapse highlighted this feeling of disparity. While Wells was gracious and friendly, the interaction underscored the gap between Mathewson’s struggles and the outward success of his peers.
The catalyst for a dramatic shift in his comedic approach came the night after his therapy session. Scheduled to perform at the Classic Comedy Club, Mathewson scrapped his prepared material and decided to be radically honest on stage. He confessed his relapse, a moment that, according to Mathewson, marked a rebirth of his career. He realized audiences could sense when a comedian wasn’t being fully truthful, and he was tired of performing without genuine emotional investment.
Mathewson’s path to this point wasn’t without its complexities. A comedy prodigy, he won the Billy T Award at age 19, a prestigious recognition of emerging comedic talent in New Zealand. He then attempted to break into the UK comedy scene, a period he describes as a disaster. He struggled with a lack of emotional maturity, insufficient work ethic, and a reliance on marijuana, ultimately leading him to return home.
Back in New Zealand, Mathewson achieved significant success, winning the Fred Award in 2016 for his show at the NZ International Comedy Festival. However, even this triumph was tinged with disappointment, as he felt the winning performance wasn’t his best work and worried about being perceived as having peaked too early. He also experienced periods of depression, though he clarifies he hasn’t been formally diagnosed.
Through therapy, Mathewson has learned coping mechanisms to manage his feelings, focusing on self-compassion and acceptance. He acknowledges that these techniques aren’t always foolproof, but they provide a framework for navigating difficult emotions without resorting to numbing substances.
“10th Rodeo” isn’t simply a recounting of addiction and recovery; it’s an exploration of mistakes and the human capacity for imperfection. Mathewson discovered that the core theme of his show wasn’t the relapse itself, but the universal experience of making errors and learning to live with them. He illustrates this point through a recurring bit at the beginning of his show, attempting – and repeatedly failing – to flip a water bottle onto a stool. The act symbolizes the ongoing struggle and the acceptance of imperfection.
The show, now two years in the making, has garnered critical acclaim for its honesty and humor. Mathewson’s willingness to share his vulnerabilities has resonated with audiences, demonstrating the power of authenticity in comedy. He’s currently performing “10th Rodeo” at Medici Court at Hamilton Gardens as part of the Hamilton Arts Festival, continuing to connect with audiences through his deeply personal and relatable storytelling. marks a performance date in Hamilton, New Zealand.
