Billy T is a legendary New Zealand comedian and cultural icon.

Join the award-winning entertainer, Rutene Spooner as he shares his personal relationship with his childhood hero, Billy T.  Infused with music and humour, Be Like Billy? speaks to our national identity, touching on what being Māori, being a performer and being a Kiwi meant in the 80s, and what it means now.

Featuring the flashest southern showband The Tekīra Mutton Birds, Be Like Billy? strums up all new and original waiata, garage party classics and old-school hits from the likes of Uncle Howie, The Prince of Jandels and Te legend, Te master, Te chuckling funny-fala.

Be Like Billy? is everything but an impersonation show. Can you Be Like Billy without being the butt of the joke?

Cheeky, cheerful, charming, amusing, musical – and moving - Theatreview

Be Like Billy? will surely go down as a true taonga of Aotearoa’s theatre history. BACKSTAGE CHRISTCHURCH | BELINDA CULLEN REID

‍

Photo: Andi Crown Photography

‍

‘The Showband Era’ gave birth to some of Māoridom’s greatest entertainers. This play celebrates that whakapapa, tracing all the way back to the cheeky cackle we all know and love. So, what does Māori showmanship look like today? – Rutene Spooner, writer

‍

BE LIKE BILLY? WILL SURELY GO DOWN AS A TRUE TAONGA OF AOTEAROA’S THEATRE HISTORY.  - BACKSTAGE CHRISTCHURCH | BELINDA CULLEN REID
‍

Originally commissioned by The Court Theatre, produced by Metro Māori Productions

On as part of the Wānaka Festival of Colour.