In and around the Convention Centre are a series of indoor and outdoor venues for all aspects of the fringe, coined “The Big Slapple”. After touring past nightclubs and festival bars it seemed to be a quiet affair, however my friend and I happily spotted our destination, “The Apollo”, nestled in the corner but easily recognisable from the large signs that adorned it. Welcomed into the foyer at 9:30pm we had time to spare before the show began at 10:30pm, but our early arrival spelled the beginning of an unexpectedly eventful evening.
The Jane Austen Argument is a fantastic cabaret duo consisting of Tom Dickins and Jen Kingwell who have been touringsince they met on a cigarette break. Having discovered that they both shared not only similar music tastes, but were also both aspiring to break into the cabaret scene and leave behind the 9 to 5 work day, they set to work. Nonetheless The Jane Austen Argument are, “…Not a Book Club!”, as they pointed out during their show when a couple left to the amusement of the rest of the audience. As Tom sang out “What will I do without you?” a line from their song Northsoutheastwest to the leaving members a laugh broke out around the room. This was not an uncommon occurrence. Mostly caused by their name and a certain reluctance to read past the title it is generally assumed that their production is a play about Jane Austen, but this idea was quickly dashed as we filed in.
Beginning the show in the 400 seat theatre was friend Mikki Ross with his two and a half songs of cabaret pop and nimble piano work. After accidentally meeting him earlier in the foyer it was evident he would be fun and entertaining but as he began his set a look of shock passed between my friend and I which confirmed our mutual agreement of how talented a musician he was. Leaving no room for boredom the main act began, inciting hushed awe among the audience. Decked out in stripy stockings, black feathers, and a set of wings between them the duo commenced a production of singing and musical performance that left a mesmerised silence in its wake. Song after song they proved themselves to be hilarious, dramatic and talented and I was so enthralled that I felt the need to write down notes diminishing, partially because during many songs I was too afraid to move for fear of disturbing the atmosphere.
Titled Somewhere Under the Rainbow the show is largely based around the very recent (March 2nd) release of their debut album of the same name. Surrounded by scattered poppies in reference to The Wizard of Oz the duo performed with a sensational backing band that drifted ethereally, (candles in hand) in and out for their songs be it a small electric cello part or accompaniment by drums and bass. Singing most of the leads Tom Dickins has been described before as akin to American singer Rufus Wainwright and I can only agree, although adding only that his own style often calls for a far grittier sound and Australian edge. Combined with the almost operatic Jen and beautiful harmonies between them, their songs are honest, theatrical, and just that little bit amusing describing their lives and the obstacles they have faced, winning over the audience despite most never having previously seen them perform.
Still not convinced? Well, also included in the 90 minute set is some Regina Spektor, lyrics written by author Neil Gaiman, Cassio Confessions, participation in a mock apocalypse and ukuleles, but you shall have to buy a ticket to find out more on those.
Having had the chance to meet them both after the show it was evident that both Jen and Tom were exactly as affable as they seemed on stage. Fashionable and quirky, this Melbourne act has everything (for all ages but with a strong language warning) and there is no doubt as to how they won Best Cabaret, Adelaide Fringe Festival 2010 or Best Cabaret (Director), Adelaide Fringe Festival 2011/. After a whirlwind 2011, they are unquestionably ones to watch and as they said themselves “it’s always more fun when there’s people watching!”. This show kept me somewhere between holding my breath and crying; it sent shivers down my spine, and had me laughing so much I was still smiling walking out of the theatre into the chilly night air, proud to have taken my friend to see them.
