2023 Billy T nominee Janaye Henry is joined by 2021 Fred winner Eli Matthewson to discuss their writing, rehearsing and standup styles, performing for queer audiences, talking about exes and partners in their sets, and competing against friends for awards. 

2023 Billy T nominee Janaye Henry is joined by 2021 Fred winner Eli Matthewson to discuss their writing, rehearsing and standup styles, performing for queer audiences, talking about exes and partners in their sets, and competing against friends for awards.

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

Janaye Henry and Eli Matthewson

In this special one-off bonus episode, 2023 winner Abby Howells hands over the yellow towel to 2024 winner, Lana Walters. They discuss their experiences winning and the aftermath, their writing and standup processes, how Abby has found winning the award, what Lana has found being a new mum and a standup, and how still needs to change for women in comedy. 

In this special one-off bonus episode, 2023 winner Abby Howells hands over the yellow towel to 2024 winner, Lana Walters. They discuss their experiences winning and the aftermath, their writing and standup processes, how Abby has found winning the award, what Lana has found being a new mum and a standup, and how still needs to change for women in comedy.

Abby Howells and 2024 winner Lana Walters

2021 Billy T winner Brynley Stent trades jumbo-sized towel tips with this year's winner Abby Howells. The comedic champs talk about Howells' award-winning show, her being open on stage about being on the autism spectrum, and Stent embracing her frigid reputation.

2021 Billy T winner Brynley Stent trades jumbo-sized towel tips with this year's winner Abby Howells. The comedic champs talk about Howells' award-winning show, her being open on stage about being on the autism spectrum, and Stent embracing her frigid reputation.

Brynley Stent and 2023 winner Abby Howells

Billy T' Billy has made it to the last ten years of New Zealand comedy. Taking us on today's tour are scene standouts Joseph Moore and James Roque.

Then, host Rhys Mathewson talks to Urzila Carlson, who in just over a decade has risen to be a star in both Aotearoa and Australia.

Billy T' Billy has made it to the last ten years of New Zealand comedy. Taking us on today's tour are scene standouts Joseph Moore and James Roque.
Then, host Rhys Mathewson talks to Urzila Carlson, who in just over a decade has risen to be a star in both Aotearoa and Australia.

Janaye Henry and Eli Matthewson

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