House of Oz opens today as Lisa Roet’s Inflatable ‘Skywalker Gibbon’ joins the Edinburgh Fringe Skyline
Everyone associates certain sights with the Edinburgh Fringe such as the iconic Udderbelly, and now a new creature is set to ignite the imaginations of Fringe audiences: Artist Lisa Roet’s “Skywalker” – a massive inflatable of a Skywalker Gibbon which will take pride of place above House of Oz.
In addition to its visually arresting look, visitors can also listen out for the peculiar love call of the gibbon which will be played between show times at the venue.
Roet is an Australian artist, based in Melbourne, whose previous work has graced locations from Beijing to Inverleith House, although this year will mark her first visit to Edinburgh. The structure will be not only an exciting visual for audiences to spot throughout August but is also a firm statement for environmental sustainability.
The venue, located at King’s Hall in Newington, was voted Edinburgh Fringe’s best venue in 2022, its debut year, and is back bigger and better this year, presenting eight of Australia’s most exciting new artists.
Celebrating the best in Australian creativity, from site-specific immersive theatre to family entertainment, as well as the best in the worlds of comedy, cabaret and circus, there is truly something for everyone at House of Oz.
This year’s venue is also set to be one of the most exciting hub spaces at the Fringe, offering an array of delicious food and drink options, including a Daisy Green pop-up café in the “Outback” garden bar.
This year’s programme champions original and boundary-pushing work, such as immersive audio experience Two Strangers Walk Into a Bar…the Adelaide smash-hit by award-winning actor, writer and director Tilda Cobham-Harvey that invites audience members to forge connections with a complete stranger.
A breakout theatrical success from festivals across Australia, Jonny Hawkins transformsinto “working class glamour queen” Maureen as they celebrate the indomitable voice, wisdom and passion of dames who defy invisibility.
Blending circus and contemporary theatre, Common Dissonance from Melbourne-based Na Djinang Circus explores modern Australian identity and asks if there is space for the acceptance of indigenous spirituality in 21st Century Australia.
In the world of comedy, audiences can look forward to the UK debut of one of Australia’s most exciting, rising stars in Anna Piper Scott – Such an Inspiration. As both a trans woman and comedian, Anna grapples with a volatile conversation that has touched some of the biggest names in comedy like Hannah Gadsby and Dave Chappelle, about how to make fun of yourself whilst retaining a foundational respect for who you are.
Younger audiences won’t be left out this year, with shows for all the family to enjoy. Beetle, a new work from acclaimed physical theatre artists Legs On The Wall, is a heartwarming story that brings the magic of the Australian bush to life through the company’s trademark physical storytelling, alongside beautiful animated illustrations by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood.
Making their 10th Fringe appearance, family Fringe favourites The Listies return with Make Some Noise, a joyous musical mishmash of sketches, songs and clowning that have brought fun and laughter to gazillions of ‘kidults’ around the world.
Audiences can be sure to revel in an evening at the House of Oz that is filled with music and cabaret. Michaela Burger traverses her family’s past in a new, original musical tribute A Migrant’s Son. Featuring a live band, including piano and bouzouki, Michaela pays tribute to her Greek migrant family and hard-working, fun-loving larrikin father Luke who defied all odds.
Armed with stilettos and a four-octave range, Leather Lungs: Higher Love is set to raise the roof of the House of Oz, as the queen of falsetto storms into Edinburgh with a heart-stopping celebration of liberation and exploration, featuring powerhouse anthems from Queen and Abba performed as you’ve never heard them before.
House of Oz is located at Kings Hall, 41A South Clerk Street Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9NZ, and is open every day from 10am to 11pm, with late-night shows on Fridays and Saturdays and later opening on Sundays and Thursdays.
Joseph Tawadros, oud virtuoso, performs at a House of Oz dinner. Returning 27 August
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 TUESDAY 22 AUGUST – further info below
☆ 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 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.
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 a one-off 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
