Would that be funny? Growing up with John Clarke

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.

Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Imprint: Text Aust
Publication date: 29/08/2023