Brand new audiobook
Since the launch of my memoir, Would That Be Funny: Growing Up With John Clarke, it has been reviewed by a few people in a few places and purchased by some others. If you fit into either of these categories, sincerely: thank you.
It has also now been made into an audiobook by the cool cats in at Bolinda audio. Read by me, which is good because otherwise presumably I would have had to have a throw-down fight with whoever they hired instead of me? Dunno. Kind of glad we didn’t find out. It’s on Audible.
If you wish to know more about the book, here is a review in Inside Story and one in The Conversation. Here is a review in ArtsHub. If you’re a comedy nerd, you might know about Tumbleweeds, which also reviewed the book.
“Now Lorin, the elder of John’s two daughters, has her say, and shows that she has arrived as a writer. Her metier is the fragment, its supply responsive to local movements of thought and emotion. The remarkable thing is how deftly she deals with sentiment without becoming sentimental, how amusing she can be without becoming (unduly) competitive. The story she has to tell is one of an ensemble, not the more common tale of a towering genius who draws those around him into his vortex.”
What’s this about a documentary?
I used to direct theatre. This year, I’m directing again, but this time for the big screen. With producer Richard Keddie and an assembly of creative people, I’m finally going to sort through the cascading tower of memorabilia Dad left behind. In amongst the scripts, props, hilarious emails and an extensive collection of maps of New Zealand dairy farms, there’s a story about comedy, satire, media, politics, and making fun where you find it. We’re going to find a way to tell it.
Mia’s Tender Heart
I was invited to write about Mia Dyson’s new album and it was a wonderful experience to do so. I like writing about music, it turns out, I’ve done a bit of it in recent years. This album would be fascinating without the story behind it but goodness, what a story. Thanks to Mia and Charlotte for inviting me into this world and trusting me to tell the story.
Phillip Adams Chat
I had a chat on Phillip Adams’s Little Wireless Program about my book, and about my Dad. I accidentally forgot to tell everybody that even though he smoked at a young age, he did quit when we were kids. For some reason it feels treacherous to have besmirched his name in this regard, but I’m entirely sure I’m the person out of everybody who is most annoyed about it. This is also a testament to how relaxed and welcomed I was made to feel in the studio. Thanks to Phillip and his team.
Fitzroy Diaries peeps!
I get asked a lot whether The Fitzroy Diaries is going to have another season. I wish I could say yes, but the fact is, my partner in crime, Sophie Townsend, is busy with her own projects, and I’m busy with a bunch of other things too. Meanwhile, do go and have a listen to me reading my audiobook. There’s even an extract or two from Fitzroy Diaries in there,,,
If you haven’t heard the Fitzroy Diaries, you can listen to it wherever you find your podcasts. Written and narrated by yours truly and produced by ABC Radio National by the incredible Sophie Townsend.
Big Issue Peeps!
Hello! Bless your cotton socks for being Big Issue peeps. Some of you have pointed out that I have been very lax at posting my column on the website lately. I am going to attempt to get in the habit again. But I’m in every edition so you can’t miss it in real life: support your local vendor. I do sometimes post them here.
Kids’ TV shows…
Aussie rules legend Eddie Betts is behind this show, set in an urban neighbourhood where a mob of kids have the run of the place and sometimes break out into a rap. The kids love it and it’s exactly what should be on Australian TV. I wrote a few episodes.
But can you tell the preview screening was on the hottest day on earth?
These lovely creatures are Beep and Mort, from a TV show for small people called Beep and Mort. Don’t you wish you could visit them? They are designed by Jonathon Oxlade. You can find them on the ABC.