May 22, 2017

THE BILLY T AND FRED AWARD WINNERS FOR 2017

PRESENTED BY NEW ZEALAND COMEDY FESTIVAL POWERED BY FLICK ELECTRIC CO.

QUEEN SWEEP: WINNERS HAVE THE LAST LAUGHS

Last night at the final show of the 2017 NZ International Comedy Festival powered by Flick Electric Co. the Festival came to a close after 115 shows in Auckland and 68 shows in Wellington. The New Zealand Comedy Trust who run the Festival has taken the opportunity to again reward excellence with the New Zealand Comedy Trust awards The FRED, for the best New Zealand Show in the Festival, and the Billy T Award.

The night contained performances from the The FRED Award finalists Rose Matafeo, Guy Montgomery, Fuq Boiz and Eli Matthewson, alongside the Billy T nominees Angella Dravid, Li’i Alaimoana, Patch Lambert, Paul Williams and Ray O’Leary. 

• Angella Dravid won the Billy T Award for 2017 

Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend Billy T James, this award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the New Zealand comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Angella Dravid took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T, a $4,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust, a spot on TV3’s 7 Days, a Phantom Billstickers campaign, a consultation with Withers Tsang and dinner at their choice of SkyCity restaurants. 

• Rose Matafeo took home The Fred Award for 2017

Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke’s legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The FRED Award was introduced in 2006 and recognises the Festival’s Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. It’s inaugural winner was Brendhan Lovegrove. The FRED Award winner Rose Matafeo, received the much revered Golden Gumboot and aprize package including; a cash grant of $2,500 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust, a poster and marketing campaign design by Festival designer Steve Grant, dinner at their choice of SkyCity restaurants and a $500 Soar Printing voucher. 

Other winners from last night’s award ceremony include:

• Best International Show: Joel Creasey – Poser 
• Best Newcomer (Auckland): Melanie Bracewell – Brace Yourself
• Best Newcomer (Wellington): White Man Behind a Desk – Live

In addition, this years winner of the national RAW Comedy Quest, at 18 years old was Ruby Esther.