The Billy T Award is one of the most prestigious honours a New Zealand comedian can win. Named after the legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates...
Gala hosts past and present unite - with Hayley Sproull, Rhys Mathewson, and Pax Assadi
The Comedy Festival is right around the corner, so to get us all in the mood, the first episode of the new season has the 2025 Comedy Gala host Hayley Sproull getting insights and advice from former hosts, Pax Assadi and Rhys Mathewson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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55:28
Abby Howells and 2024 winner Lana Walters
In this special one-off bonus episode, 2023 winner Abby Howells hands over the yellow towel to 2024 winner, Lana Walters. They discuss their experiences winning and the aftermath, their writing and standup processes, how Abby has found winning the award, what Lana has found being a new mum and a standup, and how still needs to change for women in comedy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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49:32
Brynley Stent and 2023 winner Abby Howells
2021 Billy T winner Brynley Stent trades jumbo-sized towel tips with this year's winner Abby Howells. The comedic champs talk about Howells' award-winning show, her being open on stage about being on the autism spectrum, and Stent embracing her frigid reputation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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50:40
Comedy today - James Roque, Joseph Moore and Urzila Carlson
Billy T' Billy has made it to the last ten years of New Zealand comedy. Taking us on today's tour are scene standouts Joseph Moore and James Roque. Then, host Rhys Mathewson talks to Urzila Carlson, who in just over a decade has risen to be a star in both Aotearoa and Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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51:53
The turn of the century - Dai Henwood, Justine Smith, Irene Pink and Rhys Darby
Standup stalwarts Irene Pink, Dai Henwood, and Justine Smith take Rhys Mathewson through what was good and bad about comedy twenty years ago and what has changed for the better. Hint: It's got way more people performing that aren't straight dudes. On the international side, Rhys Darby explains how encouragement from British performers convinced him to spread his wings and pursue his comedic craft outside of our island nationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Billy T Award is one of the most prestigious honours a New Zealand comedian can win. Named after the legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates the best emerging performer at each year’s Comedy Festival. Since 1997, the prize has been won by comedians that have gone on to become household names – including Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Rose Matafeo and Dai Henwood On this season of Billy T' Billy, the New Zealand Herald is spotlighting this year’s nominees – Abby Howells, Gabby Anderson, Jack Ansett, Janaye Henry and Maria Williams - in conversation with previous Billy T and Fred Dagg award winner, as well as celebrating 30 years of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
New Zealand