Latest news with #NewZealandComedyTrust
Economic Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Who are New Zealand's best comedians and laughter queens who swept the Fred Award
Live Events Other winners (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Zealand's premier comedy award, The Fred Award, featured an all-female lineup of finalists for the first time, a landmark moment reflecting the rising prominence of women in Kiwi comedy. Named after John Clarke's iconic character Fred Dagg, this prestigious prize honors the country's top comedic talent and comes with a $5,000 grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust Angella Dravid was crowned best in show at the closing gala of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and was awarded The Fred winning set, I'm Happy For You, is a darkly funny exploration of traumatic experiences from her own life. She beat fellow finalists Abby Howells and Melanie Bracewell, all of whom had previously won the Billy T Award, the festival's prize for emerging comedians 'This is the first time that three previous winners of the Billy T Award made up the Fred Award nominees,' highlighting the festival's commitment to nurturing fresh voices. Dravid herself won the Billy T in 2017, followed by Bracewell in 2018, and Howells in achievement marks only the third time a woman has taken home The Fred Award, after Jan Maree and Rose Matafeo, breaking a decade-long streak dominated by male winners. Previous Fred Award recipients include well-known names like Dai Henwood, Chris Parker, and Guy Billy T Award this year went to Hoani Hotene for his show It's Getting Hotene, So Tell Me All Your Jokes. Hotene triumphed over nominees including David Stuart, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom, also earning a $5,000 in 1997 and inspired by legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates rising talent in New Zealand's vibrant comedy highlights from the festival included Best Newcomer (Auckland) Sean Collier, joint winners Mo Munn and Liv Ward for Best Newcomer (Wellington), and the Festival Director's Choice Award given to Johanna Cosgrove. The Best International category was shared by Australia's Elouise Eftos and Rosco year's festival felt like a celebration of resilience, fresh perspectives, and a broadening comedic landscape. Dravid's blend of humor and honesty about personal trauma resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting a new era where comedy embraces vulnerability alongside festival host and previous Fred winner Eli Matthewson said, the event was a 'powerful reminder that comedy is not just about jokes it's about connecting through shared human experience.'With these breakthroughs, New Zealand's comedy scene looks set to inspire audiences both locally and abroad for years to come.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who are New Zealand's best comedians and laughter queens who swept the Fred Award
New Zealand's premier comedy award, The Fred Award, featured an all-female lineup of finalists for the first time, a landmark moment reflecting the rising prominence of women in Kiwi comedy. Named after John Clarke's iconic character Fred Dagg, this prestigious prize honors the country's top comedic talent and comes with a $5,000 grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust . Angella Dravid was crowned best in show at the closing gala of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and was awarded The Fred Award. Dravid's winning set, I'm Happy For You, is a darkly funny exploration of traumatic experiences from her own life. She beat fellow finalists Abby Howells and Melanie Bracewell, all of whom had previously won the Billy T Award, the festival's prize for emerging comedians . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo 'This is the first time that three previous winners of the Billy T Award made up the Fred Award nominees,' highlighting the festival's commitment to nurturing fresh voices. Dravid herself won the Billy T in 2017, followed by Bracewell in 2018, and Howells in 2023. This achievement marks only the third time a woman has taken home The Fred Award, after Jan Maree and Rose Matafeo, breaking a decade-long streak dominated by male winners. Previous Fred Award recipients include well-known names like Dai Henwood, Chris Parker, and Guy Montgomery. Live Events The Billy T Award this year went to Hoani Hotene for his show It's Getting Hotene, So Tell Me All Your Jokes. Hotene triumphed over nominees including David Stuart, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom, also earning a $5,000 grant. Started in 1997 and inspired by legendary comedian Billy T James, this award celebrates rising talent in New Zealand's vibrant comedy scene. Other winners Other highlights from the festival included Best Newcomer (Auckland) Sean Collier, joint winners Mo Munn and Liv Ward for Best Newcomer (Wellington), and the Festival Director's Choice Award given to Johanna Cosgrove. The Best International category was shared by Australia's Elouise Eftos and Rosco McClelland. This year's festival felt like a celebration of resilience, fresh perspectives, and a broadening comedic landscape. Dravid's blend of humor and honesty about personal trauma resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting a new era where comedy embraces vulnerability alongside laughter. As festival host and previous Fred winner Eli Matthewson said, the event was a 'powerful reminder that comedy is not just about jokes it's about connecting through shared human experience.' With these breakthroughs, New Zealand's comedy scene looks set to inspire audiences both locally and abroad for years to come.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
Press Release – Elephant Publicity After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists – Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best Newcomer (Auckland): Sean Collier with Write-Off Best Newcomer (Wellington – Joint Winners): Mo Munn with Is It Off? and Liv Ward with EPIC WAY! I'm Gay? Oui oui faguette™ I LOVE KIM HILL (1999 version) Festival Director's Choice Award: Johanna Cosgrove with SWEETIE Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Billy T And Fred Award Winners Announced For The 2025 NZ International Comedy Fest
After a month of side-splitting shows from the very best local and international comedians, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo wrapped up this evening at Last Laughs. After the performances, the New Zealand Comedy Trust honoured the brightest comedy talent of this year's festival with multiple awards, including the coveted 2025 Fred Award for the Best New Zealand Show in the Festival and the 2025 Billy T Award for a comedian with the most outstanding potential. Last Laughs, a showcase of the best of the best homegrown talent, was hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson, with performances from Fred Award finalists - Abby Howells, Angella Dravid, Melanie Bracewell, and the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Started in 1997 and inspired by comedy legend William James Te Wehi Taitoko MBE (Billy T James), The Billy T Award celebrates the growth of fresh talent in the Aotearoa comedy industry. Each year it is awarded to an outstanding emerging performer with a commitment to their comedy career. Hoani Hotene took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T Award and a $5,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust. The award was presented on stage at SkyCity Theatre by 2024 Billy T Award winner Lana Walters. Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Angella Dravid was named the 2025 Fred Award winner, receiving the iconic Golden Gumboot and a cash grant of $5,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. 2024 Fred Award Winner Barnie Duncan and Chris Parker (standing in as Trygve Wakenshaw) were on stage to hand over the baton to the new Fred recipient. Other award winners this year also include: Best International (Joint Winners): Elouise Eftos with Australia's First Attractive Comedian and Rosco McClelland with Sudden Death James Nokise was also honoured in person in front of his peers with his 2024 Topp Prize by New Zealand Comedy Trust Chief Executive, Lauren Whitney.
Scoop
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Finalists Announced For 2025 Comedy Fest's Fred Award For Best New Zealand Show
The three finalists for this year's coveted Fred Award have been chosen by a panel of expert judges and will compete at tomorrow's final showcase Last Laughs, hosted by Eli Matthewson. The award will go to the Best New Zealand Show in the 2025 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo and is one of the highest commendations in Aotearoa's comedy industry. Named in honour of the late comedy icon John Clarke's legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The Fred Award was introduced in 2006 and recognises the Comedy Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. Previous winners have included Rose Matafeo, Guy Montgomery, Dai Henwood, James Nokise, Chris Parker, Rhys Darby and the 2024 reigning winners Barnie Duncan & Trygve Wakenshaw with their show Different Party. The standard has been incredibly high across the Festival and the panel had long discussions to create the shortlist of three finalists. The Fred Award finalists for 2025 are: For the first time, all of this year's Fred finalists are women, an exciting milestone that celebrates the creativity and contributions of wāhine across the comedy industry. All three have also previously won the coveted Billy T Award, Angella in 2017, Melanie in 2018 and Abby in 2023. 'This year's Fred Award finalists represent the very best of what comedy in Aotearoa can be, fearless, distinctive, and brilliantly funny. It's a proud moment to see these wāhine, all previous Billy T Award winners, take centre stage in a lineup that's both historic and deeply deserved.' says Lauren Whitney, Chief Executive, New Zealand Comedy Trust. The Fred Award winner will receive a $5,000 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust. The Trust's vision and purpose is to champion the craft of comedy so everyone can share a laugh, and are the producers of the Festival. The final show of the Festival tomorrow, Last Laughs is hosted by 2021 Fred Award winner Eli Matthewson. Head along to celebrate the best of the festival at Last Laughs from 7PM at SKYCITY, and see performances from the Fred Award finalists, alongside the 2025 Billy T Award nominees, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Lesa MacLeod-Whiting, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, and Itay Dom. Witness who will be honoured with the prestigious Billy T Award Yellow Towel and The Fred Award's Golden Gumboot and the official gifting of the Topp Prize to James Nokise. Making a special appearance as this year's headline act is Tofiga.
