May 23, 2011

NICK GIBB DONS THE YELLOW TOWEL FOR 2011 

In front of a packed SKYCITY Theatre at last night’s 2011 NZ International Comedy Festival “closing ceremony”…

Last Laugh, hosted by Michele A’Court, Nick Gibb scooped the 2011 Billy T Award, the most prestigious comedy award recognising up and coming performers with outstanding potential at the NZ International Comedy Festival.

A panel of five judges watched the Billy T Award nominees solo shows, judging them on their proven comedic ability, talent, dedication and potential.

Gibb beat out a very strong contingent of comedians including Urzila Carlson, Joseph Harper, Nick Rado and Cameron Murray to claim the coveted yellow towel, an appearance on TV3’s 7 Days and a $5000 cheque to further their comedy odyssey!

While last night celebrated one of the brightest new comedic talents New Zealand has to offer, it also honoured an established comedian with a golden gumboot. THE FRED AWARD was created in 2006 to acknowledge the professional development of a comedian; nominees were required to have a new show in the Festival and 8 years experience in the comedy industry.  

This year’s winner continues a fine lineage of previous FRED Award winners; Jan Maree impressed judges with her tireless effort within NZ’s comedy circuit and join the ranks of Wilson Dixon, Dai Henwood, Brendhan Lovegrove, Ben Hurley and Te Radar.

Others winners from last night’s ceremony saw Carey Marx pick up the “Best International” award as both Sam Wills and Matt Mulholland scored double accolades each; “Best Local Show” in Auckland and Wellington, “Best Marketing” for “The Boy With Tape On His Face” and Mulholland popping his festival cherry as he scooped “Best Newcomer”. 

Here’s the full list of winner from last night’s “Last Laugh” ceremony:

Billy T Award – Nick Gibb
THE FRED Award – Jan Maree
Best International – Carey Marx
Best Local Show Auckland – Sam Wills –“ The Boy With Tape On His Face “
Best Local Show Wellington – Matt Mulholland – “Beyond Emotion”
Best Marketing – “The Boy With Tape On His Face”