NOW SHOWING
Not Only Fred Dagg
This affectionate documentary traces the life and legacy of John Clarke, the sharp-witted New Zealand comedian, satirist and writer whose humour cut to the heart of politics, identity and everyday absurdity. From Fred Dagg to fearless political commentary, the film celebrates a singular voice that shaped generations on both sides of the Tasman.
Director
Mike Jonathan (Life in One Chord)
With
Rhys Darby • Sam Neill • Oscar Kightley • Ginette McDonald • John Clarke
1h 43m • Rated M • Documentary, Biography • Aotearoa/NZ
BOOK SEATS FOR
Not Only Fred Dagg
Tue 20 Jan 5:00pm ncp
18 seats left
Thu 22 Jan 4:30pm ncp
52 seats left
Sat 24 Jan 5:00pm ncp
52 seats left
Mon 26 Jan 5:30pm ncp
52 seats left
All tickets must be prepaid online or at the counter.
Sales are subject to our cancellation policy. No phone bookings
ncp - no complimentary passes
cap - captioned for hard of hearing
What makes this film such a rewarding cinema experience is its warmth and clarity of purpose. It honours Clarke not as a nostalgic icon but as a still-relevant thinker whose work speaks powerfully to the present moment. Whether you grew up quoting Fred Dagg or are discovering John Clarke for the first time, this is an uplifting, intelligent and often very funny celebration of a man who used laughter to tell the truth — and did so with grace, courage and heart.
Film Notes
A warm, witty tribute to a uniquely fearless New Zealand voice.
Not Only Fred Dagg unfolds as a rich portrait of John Clarke’s creative journey, moving beyond the gumboots and singlet to reveal a restless, curious mind driven by fairness, satire and a deep love of language. Through archival material, performances and reflections from collaborators, the film charts Clarke’s evolution from rural parody to incisive political voice, capturing how his humour matured while never losing its bite or humanity.