Winners of NZ Comedy Fest accolades announced

London-based comic Rose Matafeo has won the prize for best show at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

The Fred Award is named after the Kiwi character Fred Dagg, created by the late John Clark, and is presented to the best local act at the festival.

Although a New Zealander, Matafeo has moved to London to advance her comedy career, and will be performing her newly award-winning show Sassy Best Friend at the Pleasance during the Edinburgh Fringe.

In other categories, Australian comedian Joel Creasey won Best International Show for Poser, ahead of fellow nominees including Brits Hal Cruttenden and Zoe Lyons.

Angella Dravid has won the prestigious Billy T Award for the local act with the most potential – an accolade Matefeo won in 2013.

Melanie Bracewell won best newcomer for the Auckland leg of the festival and White Man Behind A Desk for the Wellington leg.

Published: 22 May 2017