Billy T' Billy
Billy T' Billy
Playlist by Billy T' BillyThe 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 yea…Follow the podcast:
22 clip(s) in playlist
Handing the towel over: Lana Walters and 2025 winner Hoani Hotene
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.
38:58
Sketch, standup or improv? - with Brynley Stent, Donna Brookbanks and Eli Matthewson
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 m…
58:24
PowerPoints, kitchen auditions and reality TV with Jack Ansett, James Mustapic and Ray O'Leary
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 …
47:28
Women in comedy and working with Oscar nominees with Alice May Connolly, Johanna Cosgrove and Liv McKenzie
This week, Alice May Connolly, Johanna Cosgrove and Liv McKenzie are sitting down for a chat about the changing face of comedy and if it's improving for women, as well as discussing their on screen roles, working with big name actors, and their worst gigs.
44:41
Inside Wellington comedy and the joys of twinning with Booth the Clown, Jak Darling and Lesa MacLeod-Whiting
This week, it's the Wellington half of the 2025 Billy T Award nominees - clowning duo Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and stand-up Lesa MacLeod-Whiting. They discuss the scene in Wellington, how they got into comedy, how they all met, and dig into the usual stories of strange gigs and advice.
57:09
Viral comedy, strange gigs and open mic hot takes with David Stuart, Hoani Hotene and Itay Dom
This week, the Auckland contingent of the 2025 Billy T Award nominees - David Stuart, Hoani Hotene and Itay Dom - gather on the podcast to their nominated shows, thoughts on the Auckland comedy scene and open mic nights, viral comedy, jobs outside of comedy, and their strangest ever gigs.
54:06
Gala hosts past and present unite - with Hayley Sproull, Rhys Mathewson, and Pax Assadi
The Comedy Festival is right around the corner, so to get us all in the mood, the first episode of the new season has the 2025 Comedy Gala host Hayley Sproull getting insights and advice from former hosts, Pax Assadi and Rhys Mathewson.
55:28
Abby Howells and 2024 winner Lana Walters
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 st…
49:32
Brynley Stent and 2023 winner Abby Howells
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.
50:40
Comedy today - James Roque, Joseph Moore and Urzila Carlson
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.
51:53