# Abby Howells

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New Zealand comedian and actor

Abby Howells Howells at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Born Abigail Mai Howells 1990 or 1991 (age 35–36) Dunedin, New Zealand Education University of Otago (BA, PhD) Victoria University of Wellington (MA) Awards Billy T Award (2023)

**Abigail Mai Howells**[1] is a New Zealand comedian, actor, and writer. She was the winner of the [Billy T Award](/source/Billy_T_Award) in 2023.

## Early life and education

Howells was born in and grew up in [Dunedin](/source/Dunedin), New Zealand.[2][3] She attended an all-girls high school, where she acted in school productions of *The Wizard of Oz* as the Cowardly Lion and in *[Seussical](/source/Seussical)* as Horton the Elephant.[4]

She received a [bachelor of arts](/source/Bachelor_of_arts) in film and media studies from the [University of Otago](/source/University_of_Otago), and a masters in creative writing (specifically [screenwriting](/source/Screenwriting)[3]) from [Victoria University of Wellington](/source/Victoria_University_of_Wellington)'s [International Institute of Modern Letters](/source/International_Institute_of_Modern_Letters) in 2014. At Victoria, she wrote the screenplay *Standing Up*, which won the Brad McGann Award.[5]

Howells completed a [PhD](/source/PhD) in theatre studies from the [University of Otago](/source/University_of_Otago);[6] her thesis, titled "Performing Prison: How Is Life on the Inside Portrayed to the Outside World?",[1] explored how incarcerated women are portrayed in film and television.[7]

## Career

Howells was a founding member of Discharge, a female comedy collective.[8][5] She served as head writer for the group, penning the shows *What is This? Woman's Hour?* (2012),[9] *Benedict Cumberbatch Must Die* (2014),[10] and *28 Days: A Period Piece* (2015).[5][11]

In 2014, Howells wrote *Crossbow Cat*, which won the Auckland Festival's Judges' Choice and People's Choice awards, and [audio play](/source/Audio_play) *The Crash* in 2015, which aired on [Radio New Zealand](/source/Radio_New_Zealand).[12]

She presented her solo show *Glocknid: Dwarf Warrior* in 2014, which won the Best Newcomer Award at the 2015 Wellington International Comedy Festival.[5][13] She portrayed Beatrix in Trick of the Light Theatre's *Beards Beards Beards*, which toured the United Kingdom,[11] and her play *Attila the Hun* was part of the 2017 Young and Hungry Festival.[5] In 2018 she performed *White Men* at the [Dunedin Fringe Festival](/source/Dunedin_Fringe_Festival).[12] Howells acted in *Fold* by [Jo Randerson](/source/Jo_Randerson) in 2018, and *[The Bald Soprano](/source/The_Bald_Soprano)* in 2019.[14][15]

After starting stand-up in her 20s, Howells quit comedy for seven years following sexual harassment from another comedian and bad experiences with on-stage harassment;[2][16] during this period she completed her PhD.[3]

Howells's show *HarleQueen*, inspired by her experiences as a woman in comedy, won the Director's Award at the [New Zealand International Comedy Festival](/source/New_Zealand_International_Comedy_Festival) in 2021;[2] she also performed the show at [Edinburgh Fringe](/source/Edinburgh_Fringe).[3] In 2023 at the NZICF, she wrote and performed *La Soupco*, which is "based on a screenplay Howells wrote when she was 11 years old ... a post-World War II nautical-themed romance set in Spain for little reason, where the characters don't have names".[17] For the show, Howells won the [Billy T Award](/source/Billy_T_Award).[2][6][16][13][18] The *[New Zealand Herald](/source/New_Zealand_Herald)* wrote that *La Soupco* "strikes a wonderful balance between a theatrical concept and traditional stand-up".[17]

In 2024, Howells and [Angella Dravid](/source/Angella_Dravid) formed an improv group called The Improfessionals and performed at the NZICF.[19]

On television, Howells has appeared on *[7 Days](/source/7_Days_(New_Zealand_game_show)),* *[Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee](/source/Guy_Montgomery's_Guy_Mont-Spelling_Bee)*, *[Shortland Street](/source/Shortland_Street)*, and *[Taskmaster New Zealand](/source/Taskmaster_New_Zealand)*.[3][20][21] She also acted in the [Netflix](/source/Netflix) film *[The Royal Treatment](/source/The_Royal_Treatment_(film))* (2022).[12] In the 2020s, she appeared in the episode "New Zealand" of the second season of *[Conan O'Brien Must Go](/source/Conan_O'Brien_Must_Go)*, and was a writer on the sixth series of *Taskmaster NZ* and the third series of *[Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee](/source/Guy_Montgomery's_Guy_Mont-Spelling_Bee_(Australian_TV_series))* (AU).[22][23] She played the role of Isabelle in the 2026 television series *[New Zealand Spy](/source/New_Zealand_Spy)*.[24]

Howells directed the second season of comedy [podcast](/source/Podcast) *Did Titanic Sink?*, hosted by [Tim Batt](/source/Tim_Batt) and Carlo Ritchie.[25] She has been a guest on *Backyard Stories with Claudia Nankervis*, *[No Such Thing as a Fish](/source/No_Such_Thing_as_a_Fish)*, and *[The Worst Idea of All Time](/source/The_Worst_Idea_of_All_Time)*.[12]

She has cited *[Blackadder](/source/Blackadder)* and [Jerry Seinfeld](/source/Jerry_Seinfeld) as influences.[6] As of 2024[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abby_Howells&action=edit), Howells is represented by Token.[12]

## Personal life

Howells is open about being [autistic](/source/Autism), explaining that "It takes the pressure off me a little bit. I can really relax and just be myself ... I don't have to process everything I do through a 'would a 'normal' person say this?' lens."[26][27] She is interested in the [Titanic disaster](/source/Sinking_of_the_Titanic).[25]

As of 2024[\[update\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abby_Howells&action=edit), Howells is in a relationship with Robbie Nicol.[3]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-howells-prison_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-howells-prison_1-1) Howells, Abigail Mai (2021). [*Performing Prison: How Is Life on the Inside Portrayed to the Outside World?*](https://hdl.handle.net/10523/12714) (PhD thesis). OUR Archive, [University of Otago](/source/University_of_Otago). [hdl](/source/Hdl_(identifier)):[10523/12714](https://hdl.handle.net/10523%2F12714).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bt-1news-23_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bt-1news-23_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-bt-1news-23_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-bt-1news-23_2-3) Thomas, Grace (30 May 2023). ["Comedian Abby Howells takes home prestigious Billy T Award"](https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/05/30/comedian-abby-howells-takes-home-prestigious-billy-t-award/). [1News](/source/1News).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-post-apr-24_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-post-apr-24_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-post-apr-24_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-post-apr-24_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-post-apr-24_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-post-apr-24_3-5) Stephenson, Sharon (26 April 2024). ["Aroha: The love story behind this comedy power couple"](https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/350257114/aroha-love-story-behind-comedy-power-couple). The Post. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-metro-howells-24_4-0)** Howells, Abby (22 February 2024). ["It's the Lion's Show, Baby"](https://www.metromag.co.nz/arts/arts-theatre/its-the-lions-show-baby). Metro. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-lc-howells_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-lc-howells_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-lc-howells_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-lc-howells_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-lc-howells_5-4) Howells, Abby (14 September 2018). ["Loose Canons: Abby Howells"](https://www.pantograph-punch.com/posts/loose-canons-abby-howells). The Pantograph Punch.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-odt-stills-23_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-odt-stills-23_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-odt-stills-23_6-2) Stills, Ethan (30 May 2023). ["'Exciting' award win after industry harassment"](https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/%E2%80%98exciting%E2%80%99-award-win-after-industry-harassment). [Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-odt-fox-19_7-0)** Fox, Rebecca (21 March 2019). ["Empowering women inspiring"](https://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/fringe/empowering-women-inspiring). [Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stone-16_8-0)** Stone, Elsie (17 February 2016). ["Meet the Female Comedy Collective Bringing Period Jokes to the Mainstream"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304140451/https://cataloguemagazine.com.au/feature/meet-the-female-comedy-collective-bringing-period-jokes-to-the-mainstream). Catalogue Magazine. Archived from [the original](https://cataloguemagazine.com.au/feature/meet-the-female-comedy-collective-bringing-period-jokes-to-the-mainstream) on 4 Mar 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mcbryde_9-0)** McBryde, Angus. ["What Is This, Women's Hour? (2012)"](https://www.angusmcbryde.com/womenshour).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-theatreview-28_10-0)** ["28 Days: A Period Piece"](https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/28-days-a-period-piece/). Theatreview.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-stuff-mckee_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-stuff-mckee_11-1) McKee, Hannah (19 March 2015). ["Abby Howells faces up to young roles"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/stage-and-theatre/67441212/abby-howells-faces-up-to-young-roles). [Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website)).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-token-24_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-token-24_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-token-24_12-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-token-24_12-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-token-24_12-4) ["Abby Howells"](https://token.com.au/artist/abby-howells/). Token. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-daly-ensemble-23_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-daly-ensemble-23_13-1) Daly, Lara (15 May 2023). ["Hey Abby Howells, I like your retro-inspired hair"](https://www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/abby-howells-i-like-your-hair). Ensemble.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-odt-fold_14-0)** ["Entitled narcissists target of absurdist satirical 'Fold'"](https://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/theatre/entitled-narcissists-target-absurdist-satirical-fold). [Otago Daily Times](/source/Otago_Daily_Times). 1 March 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stuff-black-19_15-0)** Black, Eleanor (19 May 2019). ["At home with a Dunedin theatre couple"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/houses/112466295/at-home-with-a-dunedin-theatre-couple). [Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website)).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bevan-23_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bevan-23_16-1) Bevan, Darren (29 May 2023). ["Guy Montgomery and Abby Howells win top prizes at 2023 NZ International Comedy Festival"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230529001605/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2023/05/guy-montgomery-and-abby-howells-win-top-prizes-at-2023-nz-international-comedy-festival.html). [Newshub](/source/Newshub). Archived from [the original](https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2023/05/guy-montgomery-and-abby-howells-win-top-prizes-at-2023-nz-international-comedy-festival.html) on May 29, 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nzh-sills-23_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nzh-sills-23_17-1) Sills, Ethan (25 May 2023). ["Billy T 2023 nominees reviewed: Abby Howells, Gabby Anderson, Jack Ansett, Janaye Henry and Maria Williams"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/billy-t-2023-nominees-reviewed-abby-howells-gabby-anderson-jack-ansett-janaye-henry-and-maria-williams/CMQRGKJICFAJLDUPL7WC5DIT6A/). [The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald). Retrieved 27 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nzh-stent_18-0)** ["Billy T' Billy: Brynley Stent hands the yellow towel to 2023 comedy award winner Abby Howells"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/billy-t-billy-brynley-stent-hands-the-yellow-towel-to-2023-winner-abby-howells/VOXVJGWH4VE2LCWPSDT6QBZZDU/). [The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald). 31 May 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ahad-nzicf-2024_19-0)** ["Abby Howells & Angella Dravid - The Improfessionals"](https://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/the-improfessionals/). New Zealand International Comedy Festival. Retrieved 22 May 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-spinoff-tm-24_20-0)** ["'The enjoyment of human folly': Abby Howells on the beauty of Taskmaster"](https://thespinoff.co.nz/pop-culture/03-08-2024/the-enjoyment-of-human-folly-abby-howells-on-the-beauty-of-taskmaster). *[The Spinoff](/source/The_Spinoff)*. 3 August 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-capsule-24_21-0)** Hampson, Alice (5 August 2024). ["How Are You Today, Abby Howells? NZ's Best New Comedian Talks Life on the Autism Spectrum, Sexual Harassment & Giving Your Dream Another Shot"](https://capsulenz.com/featured/how-are-you-today-abby-howells/). Capsule NZ. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-smh-lal-26_22-0)** Low, Lenny Ann (29 April 2026). ["'I'm bringing my own essential oils': Meet Guy Montgomery's new Spelling Bee sidekick"](https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/i-m-bringing-my-own-essential-oils-meet-guy-montgomery-s-new-spelling-bee-sidekick-20260428-p5zrrh.html). *[The Sydney Morning Herald](/source/The_Sydney_Morning_Herald)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tm-s6-e1_23-0)** *Taskmaster New Zealand, series 6, episode 1*. TVNZ 2. 18 August 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["TVNZ unveils 2026 lineup: 10 shows to watch out for"](https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/01/14/tvnz-unveils-2026-lineup-10-shows-to-watch-out-for/#). *1news.co.nz*. Jan 14, 2026. Retrieved 8 February 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rnz-titanic-24_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rnz-titanic-24_25-1) ["Did Titanic Sink? Podcast director Abby Howells on conspiracies and her obsession"](https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/culture-101/audio/2018950507/did-titanic-sink-podcast-director-abby-howells-on-conspiracies-and-her-obsession). *Culture 101*. [RNZ](/source/RNZ). 11 August 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nzh-gray-24_26-0)** Gray, Sonic (6 September 2024). ["No Such Thing as Normal: Autism - is it safe to remove the mask?"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/no-such-thing-as-normal-autism-is-it-safe-to-remove-the-mask/GDQXQPDMEBAPJLUXG3YNPLMIG4/). *[The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald)*. Retrieved 2 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-hanton-22_27-0)** Hanton, James (13 August 2022). ["HarleQueen"](https://theweereview.com/review/harlequeen). The Wee Review.

## External links

- [Abby Howells](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6120030/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

v t e Billy T Award New Zealand International Comedy Festival Cal Wilson, Ewen Gilmour (1997) Brendhan Lovegrove, Te Radar, Sugar and Spice (Jonathan Brugh and Jason Hoyte) (1998) Philip Patston, The Humourbeasts (Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi) (1999) Mike Loder, Paul Ego (2000) Jan Maree (2001) Dai Henwood (2002) Justine Smith (2003) Ben Hurley (2004) Sam Wills (2005) Cori Gonzalez-Macuer (2006) Mrs Peacock (Jarrod Baker and Dave Smith) (2007) Steve Wrigley (2008) Chris Brain (2009) Rhys Mathewson (2010) Nick Gibb (2011) Guy Williams (2012) Rose Matafeo (2013) Guy Montgomery (2014) Hamish Parkinson (2015) David Correos (2016) Angella Dravid (2017) Melanie Bracewell (2018) Kura Forrester (2019) No award (2020) Brynley Stent (2021) No award (2022) Abby Howells (2023) Lana Walters (2024) Hoani Hotene (2025) Joel Vinsen (2026)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Abby Howells](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abby_Howells) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abby_Howells?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.