Billy T

A few beers with… Billy T winner Angella Dravid

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This year, comedian Angella Dravid took out the Billy T award in the New Zealand International Comedy Festival for her extraordinary show Down the Rabbit Hole, exploring her spell in a UK prison. She talks to Alex Casey about finding humour in the dark, and being the ‘car crash’ of Jono and Ben.  When Angella … Read more

On the Rag: Wherein some women weep for Wonder Woman

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Alex Casey, Leonie Hayden and Michele A’Court tackle the past month in women, news and popular culture. And, Wonder Woman.  Michele’s back from drinking absinthe with Stevie Wonder, Leonie’s swanned in on a wave of Kit Kats from the bustling streets of Tokyo, and Alex hasn’t moved an inch either way. It’s the latest episode … Read more

If women aren’t funny, how come they took out all the awards at Last Laughs?

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For years New Zealand comedy has – with some notable exceptions – had a reputation as something of a boys’ club. Last night its three key awards were all won by women for the first time. Natasha Hoyland, a young comedian herself, describes how that moment felt. When they announced Rose Matafeo as the winner … Read more

Great comedy, but where’s the diversity? A former Billy T winner reviews Billy T Jams

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The annual Billy T Jams showcases the nominees for the Billy T Award, New Zealand’s biggest prize for comedy. Former Billy T winner Hamish Parkinson reviews Friday night’s show in two parts: the first the show itself, the second what this year’s lineup can tell us about the state of local comedy in 2017. Review … Read more

A yellow towel is on the line: Meet the Billy T Award nominees

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Natasha Hoyland gets to know the Billy T nominees ahead of their showcase at Q Theatre tonight. To be in the running for the biggest and most prestigious prize in New Zealand comedy, budding comedians are required to pitch their show ideas to a panel of industry judges and perform in an applicants showcase. The … Read more

Tank Talk: Getting deep with Billy T winner David Correos

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Resident Spinoff float master Don Rowe gets deep with Billy T James award winning comedian David Correos in the first installment of Tank Talk, a partnership with Float Culture. David Correos waved as he ran across the courtyard, a towel draped over his shoulders. “Don,” he said, stepping into my girlfriend’s Ford Laser. “Mate. Do I need a … Read more

Behind the LOLs: Hamish Parkinson illustrates his comedy writing process

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During the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, ‘Behind the LOLs’ will reveal the inner workings of some of our finest comedy talent. Today, Hamish Parkinson reveals his four-step process for comedy success. Book tickets to 2015 Billy T Award winner Hamish Parkinson’s NZ International Comedy Festival Show: Moon Baby