Billy T & Me

This show is really a personal tribute by comic actor Peter Rowley who spent five years working with one of New Zealand’s biggest icons, Billy T James. During the '80s Peter co-wrote and co-starred with Billy in his home-grown sketch show, The Billy T James Show and this is his chance to impart some knowledge and share the stories of that time. Many of us remember Peter with the same fondness as Billy, he was instrumental in the show and helped to shape our sense of humour as Kiwis.

Billy T & Me is made up from a delightful mix of Peter telling stories as only someone of his calibre can, and clips from the TV series. You’ll recognise the Lands For Bags rip off, the painted Porsche and Turangi Vice, some of the most seminal moments in New Zealand comedy.

The show is also available on DVD through Sony, signed copies will be available after the live performances.

"I haven't really said anything for 25 years about what it was like to work with him," says Rowley. "But I just wanted to focus on the comedic associations, what the public saw but also the humour that went on behind the scenes, and just the fun and laughter that we had in those four years. We were close because we were together for four years and we became good mates and when we wrote I actually lived at his house." – To Scott Kara, Nov 2010

Peter himself has appeared in over 40 New Zealand productions including legendary shows such as Pete & Pio, McPhail and Gadsby, Letter to Blanchy and Footrot Flats: A Dogs Tale.

This is a marvellous trip down a hilarious memory lane to honour one of our great comedians, one which is a fitting acknowledgement to the cheekiness and absurdity that filled our living rooms with laughter.

This event will be held in the Comedy Chamber at the Auckland Town Hall.