Where Was I? Arcade Lane Two
By Kosta Jaric

After taking his show from the Melbourne festival season through to the US, Tom Dickins brings “Where Was I?” to the Adelaide Fringe for the first time.

With an eclectic story-filled monologue, Dickins presents himself in front of the audience at the Arcade Lane space with a warts-and-all tale of running to where he belongs. Over the course of the night, and assisted by his pianist Jennifer Kingwell, he sings and talks us through his journey from an unhappy place through to all the places he felt he might find what he was looking for. From Cambodia to the US, France to Scotland, he circles the globe running to and from love, lust, a fan-crazy military and self realization.

Dickens has a great voice for this type of show. Clear, smooth and conveying much meaning, he adds personal touches to a range of diverse songs, from the classic “Cheek to Cheek” by Irving Berlin through to an amusing pop version of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt”. Whilst it could have been in a slightly more intimate setting (with the high cinema roof making Dickins at the front seem quite small), and with perhaps the timeslot hurting the sensitivity of the show, but having said this it is perfect for those souls wandering late into a Fringe night, looking for a show to take meaning from.
Ultimately the show is about running away from or towarsd something, and the story follows this theme well. Kingwell is great as the constant soundtrack and Dickens has just the voice to carry it. If you’re in transition yourself, this show will entertain.

HOW MUCH: A$22.00 C$17.00 FB TIX $15.00
WHEN: 3-7, 10-13 Mar @ 11pm
WHERE: Arcade Lane – Regent Two, Arcade Lane (entry off Grenfell St between Regent and Adelaide Arcade)
BOOKINGS: 1300 FRINGE (374 643), adelaidefringe.com.au, Fringetix & Venue*Tix outlets
MORE INFO: myspace.com/tomdickins