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'When satirist John Clarke died, in April 2017, many people mourned his passing as if they had lost a friend or a member of the family. Many of us felt we grew up with him. After all, for the best part of half a century, since he burst into our lives as Fred Dagg in 1974, he was a performer, an actor, a writer, a satirist and as a commentator in both Australia and New Zealand.
'In this fascinating memoir, Lorin Clarke tells the story of growing up with her famous father, her art historian mother Helen, and her little sister Lucia. Much has been written about John Clarke, but this is the insider’s view—of his childhood, his relationship with his parents, his decision to leave New Zealand and live in Australia, and the choices he and Helen made to create a family life that is right out of the box.
'Would That Be Funny? is a story about the almost imperceptible things that make a family what it is, from long-told folklore, in-jokes, and archetypes, to calamities like world wars, deep-seated traumas, and sudden loss.
'Lorin Clarke, author of the celebrated podcast The Fitzroy Diaries brings to life her idyllic, hilarious and deeply nerdy childhood, and in doing so reveals not only the private man behind satirist John Clarke but the sense of love and security that comes from being able to laugh at yourself.'(Publication summary)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Sound recording.
Works about this Work
-
Yes, It Is Funny
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: Inside Story , September 2023;
— Review of Would That Be Funny? : Growing up with John Clarke 2023 single work autobiography'How the comic genius of John Clarke found its anchor'
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Word Games, Wit and the Pleasure of Annoying People : A Daughter’s Memoir Sheds New Light on the Notoriously Private John Clarke
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: The Conversation , 31 August 2023;
— Review of Would That Be Funny? : Growing up with John Clarke 2023 single work autobiography'Not long after John Clarke died in April 2017, his elder daughter, Lorin, attended a children’s birthday party where she found herself standing alone.'
-
Word Games, Wit and the Pleasure of Annoying People : A Daughter’s Memoir Sheds New Light on the Notoriously Private John Clarke
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: The Conversation , 31 August 2023;
— Review of Would That Be Funny? : Growing up with John Clarke 2023 single work autobiography'Not long after John Clarke died in April 2017, his elder daughter, Lorin, attended a children’s birthday party where she found herself standing alone.'
-
Yes, It Is Funny
2023
single work
review
— Appears in: Inside Story , September 2023;
— Review of Would That Be Funny? : Growing up with John Clarke 2023 single work autobiography'How the comic genius of John Clarke found its anchor'