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. 

This week, it's the Wellington half of the 2025 Billy T Award nominees - clowning duo Booth the Clown &amp; 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.&nbsp;

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...