Quest For The Hallowed Towel Begins!
The NZ Comedy Trust is thrilled to announce the results of the Billy T Award Applicant Showcase held at the Classic
Comedy Bar in Auckland last night.
Inspired by and named after New Zealand’s much-loved legendary comedian – Billy T James, the Billy T Award is an
initiative of the New Zealand Comedy Trust and part of the NZ International Comedy Festival; with the aim to ensure
continued growth of live comedy in NZ.
The award recognizes and supports New Zealand comedians with outstanding potential who display commitment to their given
comedy field. The winner of The Billy T Award receives a $5000 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust.
The Award is a proven benchmark for new comedians. Previous winners have included; Cal Wilson, Ewen Gilmour, Te Radar,
Sugar and Spice, Philip Patson, Humourbeasts, Mike Loder, Paul Ego, Brendhan Lovegrove, Jan Maree, Ben Hurley, Dai
Henwood, Sam Wills, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, mrs.peacock, Steve Wrigley and Chris Brain.
Last night thirteen acts applied to be considered for this prestigious award, and the judging panel of industry experts
were charged with the difficult task of whittling this talented group down to just 5 nominees. Once again, judges and
audiences were stunned by the quality of applicants, and all 13 performers should be congratulated for an excellent
night of comedy.
The 2010 nominees are:
Rhys Mathewson
Jarred Fell
Clayton Carrick-Leslie
Vaughan King
TJ McDonald
These nominees now go on to perform a 1-hour solo show in the NZ International Comedy Festival in 2010, and the winner
of the 2010 Billy T Award will be announced at Last Laughs at SKYCITY Theatre on the 16th May. Keep an eye out for the
Billy T Nominee logo in the Festival programme and be there to see these future superstars strut their stuff.
The Billy T Award is part of the 2010 New Zealand International Comedy Festival, which plays Auckland and Wellington
from April 23 – May 16.
ends