Day: August 23, 2022

Fringe 2022: Sensational music acts lined up for final week at House of Oz

Everything from classical strings and world music, to cabaret, jazz and indie-pop

Part of the UK / Australia Season, a major cultural exchange, House of Oz celebrates the Season theme “Who Are we Now?” in its richly diverse programming.

The schedule is family-skewed in daytime (Circa’s Carnival of the Animals, The Listies’ Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark), serious in the afternoon (EGG, FEMME) and heaps of fun by night (BROAD by Geraldine Quinn, Gabbi Bolt, Haus Party, OZmosis).

MUSICAL LINE-UP FROM MONDAY 22 AUGUST – further info below

☆ MUSICAL THEATRE: special event

MICHAELA BURGER:  One of Australia’s leading voices and  star of hit Fringe show Rouge at Assembly Hall shares tales of Greek heritage and beautiful original song, hosting a 5-course tasting menu for the Taste Australia dinner on Monday 22 August. Cabaret sensation Reuben Kaye hosted a triumphant Taste Australia on 15 August, watch here

MITCH TAMBO: The Gamilaraay world music sensation and Australia’s Got Talent 2019 finalist who took the nation by storm with his version of You’re The Voice.

BIRDEE: Australian indie-pop’s brightest newcomer with fabulously produced original songs and great styling, influenced by her Chinese / Greek / Russian heritage. Watch BIRDEE on YouTube.

☆ STRINGS VIRTUOSI

THE GRIGORIYAN BROTHERS: Kazakh-born classical guitar and strings virtuosi who have created a musical masterpiece celebrating objects from the National Museum of Australia. Watch The Grigoryan Brothers on YouTube.

JOSEPH TAWADROS: Egyptian-Australian oud virtuoso returns to House of Oz for a late-night jazz-inspired performance with the Grigoryan Brothers. Watch Joseph Tawadros Live at the Sydney Opera House on YouTube.

☆ MUSICAL COMEDY

GERALDINE QUINN: Returning after a 12-year hiatus, the vocal and comedic genius and Melbourne International Comedy Awards nominee brings her new show BROAD to the Fringe. Watch Geraldine at House of Oz here.

GABBI BOLT: After sold-out seasons in Australia, rising star Gabbi Bolt (Best Newcomer at this year’s Sydney Comedy Festival) brings her unique style of musical comedy to the stage in her first solo UK show. Watch Gabbi Bolt on YouTube.

Images and videos of all the artists in this release can be found here.

MICHAELA BURGER

Festival Fringe-goers this year will be familiar with Michaela as the star performer in Rouge, showing at the Assembly Hall throughout August. For one night only, this musical powerhouse will appear at House of Oz to host their final Taste Australia dinner with chef-in-residence, David Lee. This is an outstanding opportunity for music and food lovers to combine their passions as Michaela celebrates her Greek heritage with stories of immigration and upheaval sprinkled with moving and thoughtful songs that guests can both hear and taste. Guests will be served a unique modern Australian menu interpreting native Australian ingredients with a striking Greek accent.

Watch Michaela Burger perform A Migrant’s Son on YouTube.

Taste Australia with Michaela Burger

Aug 22, 8pm

Show duration: 55 minutes / Suitability: 14+

Tickets: £75 

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/taste-australia-with-michaela-burger?day=22-08-2022

MITCH TAMBO

Australian world music star Mitch Tambo stages a dramatic, family-friendly show, incorporating dance and didgeridoo as well as showcasing his wonderful voice and stories. 

A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production, and is a new voice for a generation producing music that cuts across culture.

The multi-talented recording artist first stunned the nation when he performed a spine-tingling First Nations version of the iconic John Farnham anthem You’re The Voice on the 2019 Finale of Australia’s Got Talent.

Mitch’s performance was powerful and won the hearts of Australia as well as a host of other countries. The time was right for Mitch and he was globally embraced. His album Guurama-Li soared up the iTunes World Music charts in Australia, the UK, US and Europe reaching #1 in Australia, #1in Denmark, #1 Malta, #2 in the UK and #34 in the US.

In Tambo’s music you will find great sentiment and stories relating to his own personal journey and story such a Dreamtime Princess which is a celebration of womanhood and challenges men to reconsider how they act, engage and converse with women.

He aims to use his voice and platform to raise awareness against bias and celebrate the achievements of women as one of his key causes 

Watch Mitch Tambo on YouTube.

Mitch Tambo

Aug 23 & 24, 5pm & 11.30pm

Show duration: 1 hour 15 minutes / Suitability: 14+

Tickets: £12 / Concessions: £10

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Mitch%20Tambo%22

THE GRIGORYAN BROTHERS

To mark the National Museum of Australia’s 20th anniversary, the nation’s most respected classical guitarists, the Grigoryan Brothers, composed 18 musical works inspired by items from the museum’s vast collection: each accompanied by a high-definition 3D video projection of the item. From ancient Arnhem Land ochre to Don Bradman’s first cricket bat; from a convict love token to a lifebuoy from the Tampa, This Is Us is an evocative and unforgettable audio-visual journey through Australia’s complex history and heritage.

In addition to the three shows above, siblings Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are also performing one late-night show with oud-master Joseph Tawadros. Their collaboration celebrates lifelong friendships, a shared common sense of humour, and musical sensibilities that defy explanation. With their collective Egyptian and Russian heritages, rigorous training in Eastern and Western classics, fluency in jazz and traditional improvisational styles, their music is a beautiful portrait of contemporary Australia. 

Watch The Grigoryan Brothers on YouTube.

The Grigoryan Brothers: This is Us

Aug 24, 12.30pm; 26 & 27, 10.30am

Show duration: 1 hour 30 minutes / Suitability: 12+

Tickets: £15 / Concessions: £12.50

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/grigoryan-brothers-this-is-us?day=24-08-2022

Watch Joseph Tawadros Live at the Sydney Opera House on YouTube.

Joseph Tawadros and The Grigoryan Brothers

Aug 27, 6.30pm

Show duration: 1 hour / Suitability: 14+

Tickets: £15 / Concessions: £12

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/joseph-tawadros-and-the-grigoryan-brothers?day=27-08-2022

BIRDEE

Based in Sydney, Australia, indie-pop’s brightest newcomer BIRDEE channels and blends her own lineage of Chinese, Greek and Russian origins to craft her own sound and stories. BIRDEE has taken the time in the studio to refine her sound as an artist – writing and recording at Glebe Studios – host to an impressive list of artists including the likes of international stars David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, INXS, as well as cult Australian acts such as The Whitlams and Choirboys.

Outside the booth, BIRDEE has been reviving local live music with her high-upbeat, high-energy persona. Pulling Strings is BIRDEE’S second contribution to the bedroom pop world followed by her latest song Monday Throwaway which have both been collaboration works with Sydney Artist, Toby Anagnostis (Butter Bath) who has teamed up, working with Nick Littlemore (PNAU, Empire of the Sun).  

She has worked with many artists such as Heimanu and Taiyo and has been supporting acts for musicians like Abby Bella May, Dutch the Rapper and D minor. She has also been showcased on the Morning Sunrise Show and has been interviewed and played on radio stations such as Triple J unearthed and Triple J.

Recognised as one of Australia’s most promising emerging artists, she intends to continue collaborating and expanding her music style.

Watch BIRDEE on YouTube.

BIRDEE

Aug 22, 11pm; Aug 23 & 24, 10pm

Show duration: 55 minutes / Suitability: 16+

Tickets: £12 / Concessions: £10

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/birdee?day=22-08-2022

GERALDINE QUINN

Nominated for Most Outstanding Show and the Golden Gibbo Award at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Awards, Geraldine Quinn brings her powerful vocals back to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in 12 years.

Her one-woman show BROAD channels the brassy broads she admired in her youth, taking the audience on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through the challenges of womanhood.

Watch Geraldine at House of Oz here.

Geraldine Quinn: BROAD

Aug 19-21, 23-28, 8.30pm

Show duration: 55 minutes / Suitability: 18+

Tickets: £12 / Concessions: £10

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/geraldine-quinn-broad

GABBI BOLT

After sold-out seasons in Australia, rising star Gabbi (Ratatouille, The TikTok Musical) brings her unique style of musical comedy to the stage in her first solo UK show. Armed with a keyboard, mic and a fear of disappointing people, this songstress puts the sing in chasing validation.

No topic is off limits: climate change, feminism, why small towns have too many pubs. “Gabbi is legitimately a good composer and lyricist” (Wayne Brady, Whose Line Is It Anyway). Winner: Best Newcomer, 2022 Sydney Comedy Festival.

Watch Gabbi Bolt on YouTube.

Gabbi Bolt: I Hope My Keyboard Doesn’t Break

Aug 23-29, 7pm

Show duration: 55 minutes / Suitability: 16+

Tickets: £12 / Concessions: £10

Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/gabbi-bolt-i-hope-my-keyboard-doesn-t-break?day=23-08-2022

☆

HOUSE OF OZ

Venue 73

41a South Clerk Street, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9NZ

Houseofoz.co.uk

House of Oz is at King’s Hall from Friday 5th – Monday 29th August hosting live performances and cultural experiences, with a special focus on the culinary arts. Drama, live music, comedy, cabaret, circus, art, film, poetry, family shows & kids’ workshops; all authentically and unmistakably Australian, with a fun tone of voice.

House of Oz welcomes artists and audiences alike, promoting entertainment, dialogue, learning and of course an intense desire to visit Australia.

This all-Australian showcase for the creative arts in all forms is part of the important UK/Australia Season 2021-22, the largest ever cultural exchange between the UK and Australia.
 
UK/AUSTRALIA SEASON

The UK/Australia Season is landmark cultural exchange, a joint initiative by the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Season highlights the breadth of partnership between Australia and the UK and aims to deepen and extend cultural connections. The Season started in September 2021 and concluded in March 2022 in Australia and will conclude in December 2022 in the UK. The theme ‘Who Are We Now?’ reflects on our history, explores our current relationship, and imagines our future together. The Season features programming for all ages, celebrating the diversity of cultures and languages in both countries. It emphasises Australia’s First Nations voices, enables cultural exchange with Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, and the diverse societies that have emerged in both Australia and the UK through migration.
www.ukaustraliaseason.com

One Last Week, a whole new batch of shows at theSpaceUK!

It’s not over yet: hidden gems galore, more new musicals, and juicy comedies are hitting theSpaceUK stages for one last rip-roaring week of shows

Week 3 is here: bringing you one last knockout selection of shows. Dramatic dance double bills, surreal murder-themed comedy shows, and getting stuck in elevators: it’s all go as we plunge into a fantastic final week at the Fringe.

Here’s a just a sample of the new shows gracing theSpaceUK from 22nd – 27th:

Cheaper than a night at Balmoral!
Hotel Elsinore (theSpace on the Mile, 22-27)

Denmark. 2am. A hotel room. Three weary travellers, an unexpected will, and a production of Hamlet to rehearse before morning. Tragedy and humour blend in this new play by award-winning performer Susanna Hamnett, with Joshua and Lily MacGregor.

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
The New Rock’n’Roll (theSpace @ Niddry St, 22-27)

A washed-up stand-up comedian tries to reclaim his mojo but fails miserably at the hands of his younger, more popular support act who he sets out to sabotage.

Sweet, sweet music
The Aca-prentice: Sales Pitch (theSpaceTriplex, 22-27)
Lord Alan Sugar tests the nerves and voices of the hungriest hopefuls in the a cappella world as they compete to be his aca-prentice. Watch our candidates tackle tasks to test their ability through chart-topping songs!

Talent that’ll hit you hard
SMACK & Spektakel (theSpaceTriplex, 21-24)

SMACK & Spektakel offers an adventurous double bill of dance, refreshing the commentary on the empowered female body, while questioning the relationship between performance and identity.

Breaking a murderer…
The Rodney Buzzard Tapes: Evidence of an Honourable Man
(theSpace on the Mile, 23-27)
A surreal sketch show that tells the story of Britain’s least-successful serial killer, Rodney Buzzard. A satire of murder documentaries that will probe the hidden depths of the criminal underworld.

Theatre this good is a crime
In Her Defence (theSpace on North Bridge, 22-27)
1947. A man is dead. His wife has killed him. As a court hears the evidence leading up to the murder, you’ll witness the disintegration of the couple’s marriage revealing the real, surprising truth.

Get stuck right in to new drama
Going Down (theSpace on North Bridge, 22-27)
Four students stuck in an elevator, with nothing to do except talk to each other. An exploration of how easily we allow our mental heath to stagnate.

It’s wild how good our musicals are
Boom Town (theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, 22-27)

Set in wild-west Arizona, Beau has come of age and must prove herself to her father. Can she save her town by taking on the outlaw? A new musical that puts a bluegrass twist on contemporary musical theatre.

Something to really celebrate
birthday girl (theSpace on the Mile, 22-27)

This is a play about birthdays. It’s also about growing up, the future and the inevitability of ageing – a prospect that the birthday girl is finding increasingly unnerving.

Start battling for the tickets!
Battle: A Modern Mystery Play (theSpace @ Niddry St., 22-27)

War again. It’s 1066, William fights Harry! How do mothers, queens, wives and daughters cope? Gather their skirts and soldier on. Telling stories in plays and songs; working, travelling, gazing at Halley’s Comet in awe.

You don’t know them yet, but you will soon…
Women You Know (theSpace @ Symposium Hall, 22-27)
The morning after a drunken rendezvous with an old boyfriend, a woman and her friend discuss autonomy, identity and bad sex. A frank new comedy about the hypocrisies of modern womanhood.

It’s just as well you found her:
Lost and Found: A Cellist’s Journey (theSpace @ Niddry St., 22-27)

In her most intimate musical performance, cellist Jablonska explores how identities are made, unmade and remade on a personal and musical journey from Poland to Scotland, as part of MadeInScotlandShowcase.com.

A show you could see over and over…
Water Fruit Loops (theSpace @ Niddry St., 22-27)
Richard, a student, finds himself stuck in a time loop after hooking up with his ex. Rather than utilise the period for self-reflection, Richard jumps at the opportunity to keep hooking up with his ex.

About theSpaceUK

Established in 1995, theSpaceUK hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the fringe. Companies, both professional & amateur, are given an affordable, supportive and professional platform to showcase their work. 

About the venue

theSpaceUK operates 19 venues across 7 sites including: theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, theSpace @ SymposiumHall, theSpace on North Bridge, theSpace on the Mile, theSpaceTriplex, the Space @ Venue45.

Follow us
www.thespaceuk.com
@theSpaceUK
facebook.com/thespaceuk

Investigation underway following fatal shooting of a child in Liverpool

Police in Liverpool have launched an investigation following the tragic fatal shooting of a child in Knotty Ash last night, Monday 22nd August.

Officers attended at a house on Kingsheath Avenue at 10pm after reports that an unknown male had fired a gun inside the property.

A nine-year-old girl suffered a gunshot injury to the chest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since sadly died.

Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

A man also suffered gunshot wounds to his body and a woman suffered a gunshot injury to her hand during the incident inside the house.

They have both been taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.

An investigation is underway and house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries are in the process of being carried out. A cordon is also in place.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “This is a truly shocking incident in which tragically a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends at this very difficult time. No parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child in these dreadful circumstances.

“This crime is abhorrent and our communities must come forward and tell us who is responsible.

“This cowardly individual does not deserve to be walking the streets and I would urge those who know anything to speak to us and tell us what they know so that we can put the person responsible behind bars where they belong.

“We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry as a matter of urgency and would ask for dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from anyone who lives, works or was visiting the area of Kingsheath Avenue last night.”

The shooting comes on the 15th anniversary of the death of eleven year old Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones, who was shot while making his way home from football training.

6 million disabled people to get Cost of Living payment from 20 September

  • £150 disability Cost of Living payments to be made from 20 September 2022
  • 6 million people who are paid certain disability benefits will benefit
  • Automatic support part of wider package of help with the rising Cost of Living, including other cost of living payments totalling £650

Those being paid a qualifying disability benefit will be paid automatically from 20 September, with the vast majority of those eligible expected to receive their one-off payment within a couple of weeks by the beginning of October.

The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.

For those disabled people on low-incomes, this payment comes on top of other Cost of Living payments totalling £650, £400 for all households to help with energy bills, and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D in England.

Over eight million eligible households in receipt of a means-tested benefit received the first of two automatic Cost of Living payments of £326 from 14 July. The second means-tested payment of £324 will be issued later this year.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said: “We know disabled people can face additional costs, which is why we are acting to help reduce the financial pressures on the most vulnerable.

“This £150 disability payment is on top of the £1,200 most low income benefit claimants will also receive and alongside wider support targeted at disabled people, including help with transport and prescription costs.

“We know it’s a worrying time for some people and I’d urge them to check they are getting all the support on offer by searching Help for Households.”

The Cost of Living payments from the government are part of a £37 billion package of support, which will see millions of households receive at least £1,200 this year to help cover rising costs.

The government has also expanded support for the Household Support Fund in England – which helps people with food and energy bills – with an extra £421 million – for October 2022 to March 2023, and topped up funding by £79 million for devolved nations; the total value of this support now stands at £1.5 billion.

This is all in addition to changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and work allowances worth £1,000 a year on average for 1.7 million working claimants, a rise in the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour, and a tax cut for around 30 million workers through a rise in National Insurance contribution thresholds.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi said: “We know that rising prices faced by many countries around the world are a significant worry for many people here in the UK, especially those most vulnerable to additional costs.

“Today’s announcement that disabled people will begin to receive an additional £150 payment from the end of September reinforces our commitment to help UK households through the challenging times ahead.

“This payment is in addition to further help households can expect over the coming months – including a second cost of living payment of £324 for households on means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioners this winter and £400 discount on energy bills for every household. This is all part of our significant £37 billion support package.”

  • Those who receive the following disability benefits may be eligible for the one-off payment of £150 in September: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits (Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment), Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
  •  Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and War Pension Mobility Supplement.
  • Those who had confirmed payment of their disability benefit for 25 May are expected to be paid shortly after the payment window opens. For those awaiting confirmation of their disability benefits on 25 May, or who are waiting to be assessed for eligibility to receive disability benefits, the process may take longer but payments will still be automatic.
  • You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.
  • You can read more about the government’s Cost of Living support on the Help with the cost of living page.