2023 Billy T nominee Jack Ansett is joined by 1998 Billy T winner Jonny Brugh to discuss New Zealand comedy in the 90s, sketch versus standup, if awards are important, TikTok, and Jonny's experiences on the set of Thor. 

2023 Billy T nominee Jack Ansett is joined by 1998 Billy T winner Jonny Brugh to discuss New Zealand comedy in the 90s, sketch versus standup, if awards are important, TikTok, and Jonny's experiences on the set of Thor.

The Billy T Award is one of the most prestigious honours a New Zealand comedian can win. Named after the legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates the best emerging performer at each year’s Comedy Festival. Since 1997, the prize has been won by comedians that have gone on to become household names – including Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Rose Matafeo and Dai Henwood 

On this season of Billy T' Billy, the New Zealand Herald is spotlighting this year’s nominees – Abby Howells, Gabby Anderson, Jack Ansett, Janaye Henry and Maria Williams - in conversation with previous Billy T and Fred Dagg award winner, as well as celebrating 30 years of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. 

The Billy T Award is one of the most prestigious honours a New Zealand comedian can win. Named after the legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates the best emerging performer at each year’s Comedy Festival. Since 1997, the prize has been won by comedians that have gone on to become household names – including Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement, Rose Matafeo and Dai Henwood On this season of Billy T' Billy, the New Zealand Herald is spotlighting this year’s nominees – Abby Howells, Gabby Anderson, Jack Ansett, Janaye Henry and Maria Williams - in conversation with previous Billy T and Fred Dagg award winner, as well as celebrating 30 years of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

The Billy T Award is one of the most prestigious honours a New Zealand comedian can win – named after the legendary Kiwi comedian, this award celebrates the best emerging performer at each year’s Comedy Festival. Over the last 24 years, it’s gone to...

Billy T' Billy

Jack Ansett and Jonny Brugh

For the last episode of the season, 2024 Billy T winner Lana Walters is joined by the 2025 winner Hoani Hotene. They discuss his victory, the themes of his show, and what he plans to do next - plus Lana's papal-themed handover of the title, and what it's like being a mother in comedy. 

For the last episode of the season, 2024 Billy T winner Lana Walters is joined by the 2025 winner Hoani Hotene. They discuss his victory, the themes of his show, and what he plans to do next - plus Lana's papal-themed handover of the title, and what it's like being a mother in comedy.&nbsp;

Handing the towel over: Lana Walters and 2025 winner Hoani Hotene 

For the final episode of the season, Brynley Stent, Donna Brookbanks and Eli Matthewson are on the podcast to discuss their varied careers as comedians - including their team with the improv group, Snort, writing sketches for Jono and Ben and Funny Girls, and their careers as solo comedians. From memories of favourite sketches, the pros and cons of standup and social media, and a bit of Christchurch mall culture and New York education, this one has got it all. 

For the final episode of the season, Brynley Stent, Donna Brookbanks and Eli Matthewson are on the podcast to discuss their varied careers as comedians - including their team with the improv group, Snort, writing sketches for Jono and Ben and Funny Girls, and their careers as solo comedians. From memories of favourite sketches, the pros and cons of standup and social media, and a bit of Christchurch mall culture and New York education, this one has got it all.&nbsp;

Sketch, standup or improv? - with Brynley Stent, Donna Brookbanks and Eli Matthewson 

This week, Jack Ansett, James Mustapic and Ray O'Leary are stepping out of the group chat and into the studio to talk about their experiences as Billy T nominees, bad experiences performing in front of family members, the pros and cons PowerPoints - and if Jack and Ray would ever follow James onto Celebrity Treasure Island. 

This week, Jack Ansett, James Mustapic and Ray O'Leary are stepping out of the group chat and into the studio to talk about their experiences as Billy T nominees, bad experiences performing in front of family members, the pros and cons PowerPoints - and if Jack and Ray would ever follow James onto Celebrity Treasure Island.&nbsp;

Jack Ansett and Jonny Brugh

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