Billy T and Fred Award winners for 2018 announced

20 May 2018

Tonight, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo honoured the exceptional talent on show in the 2018 programme rewarding 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 nights revelry included performances from The FRED Award nominees Chris Parker, Frickin Dangerous Bro, Nick Rado and Rose Matafeo, alongside the Billy T nominees Alice Snedden, Donna Brookbanks, James Malcolm, Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore as Two Hearts, and Melanie Bracewell.

Melanie Bracewell won the Billy T Award for 2018

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. Melanie took home the prestigious Yellow Towel for the Billy T, a $3,000 cash grant from New Zealand Comedy Trust, a spot on TV3’s 7 Days, a Phantom Billstickers campaign, and dinner at a SKYCITY restaurant.

Chris Parker took home The FRED Award for 2018

Named in honour of much-loved comedy icon John Clarke’s legendary Kiwi character Fred Dagg, The FRED Award recognises the Festival's Best Show by a New Zealand comedian. The FRED Award winner Chris received the iconic Golden Gumboot and a prize package including; a cash grant of $2,000 from the New Zealand Comedy Trust, a poster and marketing campaign design by Festival designer Steve Grant, dinner at a SKYCITY restaurant and a $250 Soar Printing voucher.

Other winners from tonight’s award ceremony include:
Best International Show: Rhys Nicholson - Seminal
Best Newcomer (Auckland): James Mustapic
Best Newcomer (Wellington): Josh Kingsford
Director's Award: The Fan Brigade

In addition, this year’s winner of the national RAW Comedy Quest was Gabby Anderson.

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