Billy T: Life and Times of Billy T James (book)
Billy T: Life and Times of Billy T James (book)
by Matt Elliott
2009
Paperback, 384 pages
Very good condition
Billy T James was a larger-than-life comedian who gave us some of our best belly laughs, creating enduring characters as he poked the borax at race relations in New Zealand. His characters were Kiwi through and through and we loved him for it.
When he died in his early forties, of complications following a heart transplant, we were shocked - first by his premature death, and then by one of the first highly publicised interracial body-snatching incidents.
His widow, Lynn Matthews, and a number of Billy's closest friends have cooperated with author Matt Elliott to tell the story behind the cheeky grin. The result is perceptive, poignant, funny and endearing - just like Billy T.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
5% Second half of November
-
44.1% 1st December
-
17% A week before Christmas
-
32.5% Whenever you wish
-
1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you go to live music gigs?
It’s “tough” running dive bars and speakeasies but a growing association is shaking up the New Zealand independent music scene.
These are the places where rising stars cut their teeth, members say, but they’re challenged by noise restrictions, alcohol licensing rules and the need to take on multiple tasks outside booking bands.
Do you go to live music gigs? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
-
0% Yes, whenever I can
-
20% Sometimes
-
80% No