Media Release: 16 October 2014
New Zealand Comedy Trust
Solid growth of emerging talent in the local comedy industry leads to 22 applicants vying to be one of just five
nominations for the 2015 Billy T Award.
Billy T James changed the face of comedy in this country, forging a hugely successful career out of making people laugh. To celebrate
his memory and achievements, the New Zealand Comedy Trust created the annual Billy T Award to support up-and-coming comedians with the outstanding potential to take their comedy career to the next level.
Last night, the 2014 Billy T Award winner Guy Montgomery charmed the audience and welcomed 22 exciting comedians from across the country. These budding talents absolutely
stormed it with a diverse range of hilarious material at The Classic.
Making the exceptionally difficult decisions last night were this year’s expert panel of five judges, who have a wide
range of combined experience across the comedy, television and theatre industries. They wanted to specifically express
just how impressed with the diversity of creative ideas that were presented in the pitches, and the innovative and
electrifying performances they saw on stage last night. With a surge of fresh talent coming through the New Zealand
comedy scene is in great shape.
The nominees for the 2015 Billy T Award are selected on their proven comedic ability; talent; dedication; current form and outstanding potential, and will be
judged on all aspects of their 2015 NZ International Comedy Festival show. Final performances and judging will take
place at Last Laughs, on Sunday 17 May 2015.
We are excited to announce that the five nominees for the 2015 Billy T Award are:
•Eli Matthewson
•Hamish Parkinson
•Matt Stellingwerf
•Nic Sampson
•Tim Batt