Eli Matthewson is the only C-list Kiwi celeb that can say their comedy killed a prime minister (Margaret Thatcher’s death was announced within three hours of his performance of Iron Lady fan fiction). This Fringe veteran’s performance is far from a dead weight, bursting with genuinely funny anecdotes that you’ll remember until next year, including the central thrust of Night Terror about his boyfriend of nine years trying to kill him in the wee small hours.

A theatre kid cum breakfast radio host slash comedian, Matthewson is effortless to listen to, easily captivating a small but engrossed audience. While he may not induce constant belly laughs, his stories resemble the best bits of gossip; like the guy who mistakenly touched up a stranger instead of his boyfriend at an art gallery. Matthewson’s punchlines echo throughout his Fringe hour and tie together seamlessly at the end like a finished painting that’s actually a posh Samsung TV (he recently made a big purchase). Despite an odd finisher on oral sex and Berocca that seemed to stick out at an odd end, the New Zealander is a worthy choice for comedy fans this year. 

Eli Matthewson: Night Terror, Underbelly George Square, until 24 August, 8.50pm; main picture: Michelle Hyslop.