Billy goes to kid

Rhys Matthewson. Photo / Supplied

Teenage comic Rhys Mathewson has disco-danced his way to a Billy T. James award.

At 19, he is the youngest to scoop the prestigious title awarded at the finale of the Auckland International Comedy festival. As well as the coveted yellow towel, he was awarded $5000 towards his comedy career and a guest appearance on TV3 show 7 Days.

The four other nominees were Clayton Carrick Leslie, Jarred Fell, T.J. McDonald and Vaughan King.

They were judged by five industry professionals who were looking for a comedian who showed outstanding potential throughout the festival.

Meanwhile Wilson Dixon, the Kiwi who acts as a country-singing American, won the Fred Award, a prize named in honour of comedian John Clarke, who played iconic Fred Dagg.

He gets $3000 towards international travel. He was up against Steve Wrigley and Ewen Gilmour. Dixon also won the award for best Auckland show.

Other winners included Rose Matafeo who was named Best Newcomer, Chris Brain who won the Spirit Of The Festival award in Auckland and T.J McDonald, who won the Spirit Of The Festival for Wellington.

Best International Show went to Tom Wrigglesworth for his routine "An Open Return Letter to Richard Branson".