For a month-long run, Edinburgh Festival welcomes House of Oz in a one-off spectacular at the King’s Hall this Fringe 2022. A 19th century church will be transformed into an engaging centre about the land Down Under from 5th-29th August.
This Australian showcase forms a part of the important UK/Australia 2021-22 Season, the largest ever multicultural celebration between the UK and Australia.
“House of Oz will be a special place to see the diverse and vibrant talent Australia has to offer during this year’s Edinburgh International and Fringe Festivals. Featuring the incredible Circa, family favourite The Listies and Australian living treasure John Bell AO OBE, the House of Oz line-up joins the largest ever Australian contingent to perform at Edinburgh.”
MICHAEL NAPTHALI – DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIA IN THE UK PROGRAMME, UK/AUSTRALIA SEASON 2021-22
The month-long extravaganza will feature authentically Australian drama, circus, film, poetry, comedy, cabaret and music that will leave you wanting to book the next flight to Australia.
“I wanted the world to see Aussie culture “to go”. That’s how House of Oz started. Blossoming or established talent, quirky, vibrant, witty and downright brilliant: we’ve got a lot to show off and I wanted to provide a platform for performers to do just that.”
GEORGINA BLACK – FOUNDING PATRON HOUSE OF OZ
Highlights include:
81-year-old living legend actor John Bell AO OBE, founder of Bell Shakespeare, with poems, stories and backstage gossip.
Geraldine Quinn, Cabaret Queen and powerhouse, making a triumphant return to Edinburgh after her absence 10 years with her show Broad, a hit at Melbourne Comedy Festival 2022.
New talent to Edinburgh, but already social media famous, Leonardo Sunshine of house band The Tin Knees and Gabbi Bolt.
New material for the first time in Edinburgh, First Nation artists Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie, Mitch Tambo and Sean Choolburra.
Proving that there is something for everyone, for families two main shows will be available. Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark by favourites The Listies will be at 1pm. Ticket prices to include a free crown for kids, so arrive early to decorate your crown! Also, in an Edinburgh first, the world-renowned, award winning physical theatre company Circa will be presenting Carnival of the Animals.
If drama, music and comedy doesn’t take your fancy, there will be featured screen content such as Herbarium Tales, a series of striking Indigenous poetry pieces shot in nature and Come to Where I Am, video postcards by Chris Bendall of Critical Stages.
Covering food and drink, fine Australian produce is presented by guest chef David Lee from Sydney. Offering a “beyond the barbie” in Outback, a garden bar and kitchen, guests are encouraged from 10am till late to dine. With a glass of wine, a cocktail or a craft beer, it really is a Taste of Australia (coincidentally the title of an occasional tasting menu series by David Lee, with live entertainment at The Great Indoors in the main auditorium).
If this isn’t for you, London’s top Aussie café chain Daisy Green is serving the best artisan coffee.
Find tickets and the programme here.
Check out more Entertainment Now Edinburgh Festivals news, reviews and interviews here.
