Overview
As part of their quest to take home the highest honour in New Zealand comedy, and a canary-coloured bathroom accessory, five of the country’s best up-and-coming funny people will take the stage at Q Theatre.
Presented since 1997, the Billy T James Award honours late comedy icon Billy T James and recognises rising local stand-up comedians with outstanding talent. Previous winners include: Guy Williams, Steve Wrigley, Sam Wills, Ben Hurley and Dai Henwood.
This year’s nominees include a diverse spread of comedians, including the star of ‘How to fold a fitted sheet’ - Alice Brine; almost-famous YouTube sensation - David Correos; toddler trapped inside a teenager’s body - James Malcolm; regular cast member of TV3’s Funny Girls and Jono and Ben - Laura Daniel, and 2015 Billy T nominee Matt Stellingwerf.
As well as their proven comedic ability and ability to induce consistent lols on the night, the nominees will be judged on all aspects of their individual shows at the 2016 NZ International Comedy Festival. The award presentation will take place at the close of the festival on Sunday 15 May, 2016.
The Billy T Jams showcase will be hosted by 2014 Billy T Award winner Guy Montgomery, with reigning titleholder and caretaker of the iconic Yellow Towel, Hamish Parkinson, rounding out the night with his abstract take on physical and observational stand up comedy, use of props, costume changes and audience participation.