24 May 2025
Announcing the 2025 Fred Award Nominees
The three nominees for this year’s 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.
The Fred Award, named in honour of the late comedy icon John Clarke’s legendary character Fred Dagg, has been awarded annually since 2006. Past winners include Rose Matafeo, Rhys Darby, Dai Henwood, Chris Parker, Guy Montgomery and the reigning champs, Different Party with Barnie Duncan & Trygve Wakenshaw.
The finalists for 2025 are:
Abby Howells, Welcome to my Dream
Angella Dravid, I'm Happy for You
Melanie Bracewell, A Little Treat
A huge congratulations to the finalists! 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.
The Fred Award winner will receive a $5,000 cash grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust.
Hosted by the one and only Eli Matthewson, head along to Last Laughs! 7pm tomorrow night at SkyCity Theatre to see performances from the Fred Award finalists, alongside 2025 Billy T Award nominees, Booth the Clown & Jak Darling, David Stuart, Hoani Hotene, Itay Dom and Lesa MacLeod-Whiting and see who will take home the prestigious Billy T Award Yellow Towel and The Fred Award’s Golden Gumboot. Comedy legends James Nokise & Tofiga will also make a special guest appearance as the headline acts for the evening.
Last Laughs!
Sunday 25 May, 7pm
SkyCity Theatre
