Join us ahead of this year’s Last Laughs Awards Gala to honour the humble icon who inspired the prestigious Fred Award. 2026 marks 20 years of the the Fred, which is given every year to the best New Zealand show in the NZ International Comedy Festival. We’re celebrating with a special encore screening of Lorin Clarke’s award-winning film about her father, John Clarke, and his much loved creation, Fred Dagg.

The documentary traces Clarke’s steadfast resistance to authority back to his childhood; unpacks his controversial decision to leave New Zealand for Australia in 1977; and gains delightful insights into his forty years in the entertainment industry. Aotearoa comedy greats Oscar Kightley, Rhys Darby, Sam Neill, Tom Sainsbury and Paul Horan feature alongside international fans of the satirical genius, all lovingly woven in with hilarious footage of Clarke’s classic bits, and highlights from his rich personal archive.

Screening begins with a special introduction and pre-roll montage of past Fred Award winners like Dai Henwood, Rose Matafeo, Chris Parker and 2026 Last Laughs host Guy Montgomery!

Directed by: Lorin Clarke

 

Recommended 16. May contain colourful language and adult themes.