Best of the Billys - Homegrown Comedy Culture

New Zealand – be proud! Our comedy has become world-renowned! Be it two folk singers breaking through in the United States (Flight of the Conchords); a former army officer playing a romantic lead (Rhys Darby in Love Birds); or the city of Edinburgh becoming enthralled with The Boy With Tape on His Face…

Aotearoa’s comedic flora and fauna would not have grown to what it is without one comedian – whose work transcended cultural boundaries and made him one of our most beloved entertainers – Billy T James. Billy often performed with that iconic yellow towel. And the yellow towels will be out in force for Best of the Billys, a variety performance from previous winners of this revered award. Hosted by former Supercity Mayoral candidate and Comedian of the Decade (NZ Comedy Guild) Ewen Gilmour, who won the inaugural yellow-towel in 1997, audiences will be treated to a two-hour showcase from the crème de la crème of kiwi comedy.

Brendhan Lovegrove (1998 Billy T Award winner), star of TV2’s A Night at The Classic, will deliver a dose of his trademark observational, acerbic humour. A multi-award winner, his most recent gong is Best Male Comedian at the 2010 NZ Comedy Guild Awards.Accompanying these comedy veterans is none other than Sam Wills (also The Boy With Tape on His Face; 2005 Billy T winner). This modern day Buster Keaton scored five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, has been named Best Breakthrough Act by Chortle.co.uk and won a host of other awards both international and local.

Musical duo and 2007 Billy T Award winners mrs.peacock, featured in TV2’s hit A Night At The Classic, will serenade the audience with their combination of sweet songs and filthy lyrics – much like your favorite rock ‘n’ roll band, only waaaay funnier. Mike Loder (2000 Billy T winner) has worked in the South Auckland community to bring comedy to the neighbourhood through a series of Southside Comedy shows. This comedian has also made a name for himself through various other ventures – including being a regular panelist on the Radio New Zealand National show Off the Wire.

These esteemed gentlemen are rounded off by the youngest ever winner of the Billy T Award, Rhys Mathewson (2010 Billy T Award winner). A graduate of the renowned Class Comedians programme, Mathewson has gone on to work with the big boys of New Zealand comedy, featuring on TV3’s 7 Days and Four’s The Jono Project, and become editor of Craccum.

Come and marvel at the strength of New Zealand comedy, as Best of the Billys regales audiences with classic kiwi comedy.

For news, reviews and sweet deals, visit www.comedyfestival.co.nz
Best of the Billys
SKYCITY Theatre, cnr Wellesley and Hobson St, Auckland CBD
Sunday 15 May, 7pm (duration: 2 hours)
Tickets: Adults $45, Conc. & Groups 10+ $39.50*
Bookings: 0800 TICKETEK or www.comedyfestival.co.nz
Tickets go on public sale 9am, Thursday 21 March!

ENDS

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