Who is Tom Kelly?
My name is Tom Kelly and I’m stoked to be playing Peeta in Definitely NOT a Hungry Game: A Parody Musical at Adelaide Fringe. I grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, but now I’m based in Sydney. I’m a singer and actor fortunate enough to have played roles such as Enjolras in Les Miserables for Packemin Productions, Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera: in Concert supported by a 40-piece orchestra for Curtain Bounce and Barrel in Urinetown for the Hayes Theatre. I’m also an English and Drama teacher and a massive video game nerd. My best friend is the family poodle called Ned.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I could do something differently from what I do now, it’d probably be actually using my English degree and writing something. I’m a complete lover of stories and storytelling in all forms. Writing is a vulnerable and scary process, as you don’t get to hide behind the words of others like you do when you’re performing. You’re putting a piece of yourself out into the world to be consumed and judged, whilst hoping that it resonates with an audience.
That, or something in medicine, following in my parent’s footsteps.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents and anyone else who leads with empathy above all else. Anyone who can inspire positive change in others, and anyone who selflessly strives to leave the world a better place than when they found it. Also Derek Klena because he’s stupidly handsome and I show my barber his headshot whenever I get a haircut.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Keep teaching. Education is so vital. If I can put one kid onto a more positive path during my teaching career I’d be happy.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I just got back from Japan earlier this year, and it rewired my brain. I’m obsessed. I absolutely loved Kyoto, it was the perfect blend of high-tech and historical. Other than that, I love London simply because of the ludicrous amounts of incredible theatre they have over there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
If I bring friends to my hometown of the Central Coast, it would be any of the many, many beaches. They’re world class and (most of the time) pretty quiet. Or Aquasplash, which is this massive outdoor inflatable obstacle course on the Gosford waterfront. I feel like Aquasplash is a great encapsulation of the Cenny Coast.
What am I currently reading?
I’m currently reading Norwegian Wood by Murakami. I’m in my last year of Uni though and I’m doing a Jane Austen unit, so about to embark on a massive Austen binge.
What are you currently listening to?
Audiobooks out the wazoo, as well as Arctic Monkeys, Imogen Heap, Joji, Gracie Abrams and, weirdly, Sting’s solo career. Also, the Kingdom Hearts and Persona 5 soundtracks are always on repeat.
Happiness is?
Loving unconditionally. Also waking up on a day off, grabbing a large flat white from my local cafe, kicking back and playing PS5, whilst sipping said coffee.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully theatre making in any capacity. Doing fun stuff on stage with my friends, that’s all I really want to do.
I would absolutely love to play the Phantom and Valjean within the next 25ish years now that I’ve been lucky enough to do Enjolras and Raoul in my 20’s, both in productions that I was super proud of. And writing! I’m making a vow to write a play this year. Hopefully I can see it through.
However, most excitingly and imminently, you can catch me and my incredibly talented friends in Definitely Not A Hungry Game: A Parody Musical at Parks Theatre in Adelaide. We’ve created something that is pure joy and unbridled fun, and that’s something we can all use a little more of!
Tom stars as Peeta in Definitely NOT A Hungry Game: A Parody Musical – which plays at Theatre One at The Parks Theatres (Angle Park), as part of the 2025 Adelaide Fringe from 26 February – 8 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Tom Kelly (supplied)