Winners have the last laugh
WINNERS HAVE THE LAST
LAUGHS
2016 NZ International Comedy
Festival powered by Flick Electric Co.
Over 300 performers came together in 2016, creating over 220 shows to delight New Zealand audiences, across nearly 1,000 individual performances. Auckland and Wellington have had three weeks of laughs. Now it’s the region’s turn with the 2degrees Comedy Convoy kicking off on Wednesday in Nelson.
David Correos and Rhys Mathewson have capped off an incredible Fest by picking up the country’s most prestigious comedy awards; the Billy T Award and The FRED Awardat last night’s Last Laughs hosted by Paul Ego.
The five talented nominees for the 2016 Billy T Award were; Alice Brine, David Correos,Laura Daniel, James Malcolm and Matt Stellingwerf. Selected on their proven comedic ability; talent; dedication; current form and outstanding potential, the nominees were judged on all aspects of their solo show in the 2016 Comedy Fest.
All five nominees this year performed brilliant and creative shows, however it was David Correos who was awarded the iconic Yellow Towel, joining an already impressive list of previous winners.
David Correos will take home the prestigious Yellow Towel, a $4,000 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust, a spot on TV3’s 7 Days, a poster design by Steve Grant Design, a year’s subscription to Metro Magazine, a $2,500 advertising campaign on The Rock FM and accounting consultation with Withers Tsang.
The FRED Award nominees were Nic Sampson, Pax Assadi and Rhys Mathewson – all impressing the judges, receiving accolades from both audiences and critics, whilst showcasing the range of shows across this year’s Comedy Festival.
The FRED Award was won by Rhys Mathewson, who received the renowned Golden Gumboot and a prize package including; a cash grant of $2,500 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust, a $500 Soar Printing voucher, a year’s subscription to Metro Magazine and a $2,500 advertising campaign with More FM.
Other winners from last night’s award ceremony include:
Best International Show - Felicity Ward
Best Newcomer (Auckland) - The Fan Brigade
Best Newcomer (Wellington) - Daniel John Smith
ENDS