National Premiere of Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke in Manawatū to Feature Classic Costume on Display
Original Press Release by Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage
Fred Dagg’s costume will be on public display at Te Manawa Museum on the 9th to the 11th of December. Thanks to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Dagg’s renowned hat, shearer’s singlet, shorts and gumboots will be exhibited at Te Manawa to support the national premiere of Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clark. First to see these iconic Kiwi treasures will be the guests at a pre-screening function hosted by Te Manawa, organised by Mayor Grant Smith.
Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke is a heartfelt documentary directed by Lorin Clarke, celebrating her father, legendary Kiwi comedian John Clarke and his most famous creation, the iconic laconic Fred Dagg. The film traces Clarke’s remarkable journey, from his theatre beginnings and sharp political satire to his rise as one of Australasia’s most beloved humourists. Featuring interviews with Rhys Darby, Sam Neill, and Stephen Fry, Not Only Fred Dagg offers an intimate portrait of a man whose wit shaped generations. Following its Melbourne International Film Festival debut and New Zealand International Film Festival screenings, this event brings the story home to the Manawatū.
As part of the celebration, Te Manawa will display the original Fred Dagg costume, on loan from Te Papa, alongside a quintessential image of Fred Dagg from the Peter Bush collection. The photograph was captured by Bush during a publicity shoot in the 1970s, showing Dagg in the same costume now in the Te Papa collection. Proceeds from the sale of the Fred Dagg print will go directly to the Peter Bush Archive, helping preserve the photographic legacy that captured so many defining moments of New Zealand life. Susanna Shadbolt, Chief Executive of Te Manawa, is thrilled to have this collaboration come together so seamlessly.
“It’s an absolute privilege to host this event here in the Manawatū. John Clarke’s humour resonates deeply with our people, and having this film and costume here is a source of immense local pride. I’d like to personally thank Te Papa for bringing this emblem of our national identity and mirrored humour to the Manawatū, providing context that deepens our appreciation for how humour, heritage, character and costume intertwine in Aotearoa.”
Stephanie Gibson, a Te Papa history curator, has led essential research into the black singlet’s role in rural life and satire. She wrote about Fred Dagg in Looking Flash: Clothing in Aotearoa New Zealand illuminating how his black singlet, reminiscent of the shearer’s black singlet, became a visual shorthand for Clarke’s astute, laid-back commentary on Kiwi society. Gibson noted how Fred Dagg struck a “fine line between poking fun at New Zealanders … while making us proud”. Te Manawa Trustee Chris Gallavin echoes this sentiment.
“This premiere is a triumph for Palmerston North. While some comedians named John have taken jabs at our city, John Clarke’s legacy proves that our humour is sharp, enduring, and deeply woven into Aotearoa’s cultural fabric. We are a people who can see themselves in something and laugh about it.”
Attendees can donate on the night to support the Peter Bush Archive and help keep iconic stories of New Zealand alive for future generations. To be in the presences of such comedic legends, truly “[we] don’t know how lucky we are.”
ENDS
Fred Dagg’s gumboots, 1973, New Zealand, by Skellerup Industries Limited. Gift of John Clarke, 2002. © Reproduced courtesy of John Clarke. Te Papa (GH014297)
Fred Dagg with Lamb, ca. 1970s. Photographed by Peter Bush. Collection of Te Manawa Museums Trust, courtesy of the Bush Family
MUSEUM OF ART, SCIENCE AND HERITAGE | WWW.TEMANAWA.NZ
For more information contact:
Susanna Shadbolt
Chief Executive
06-351-4491