The brand-new all-Australian arts space at the Edinburgh Festival, House of Oz, has won Best Venue at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Awards 2022.
A celebration of talent, culture and creativity for the August Festivals, House of Oz transformed the space at the glorious King’s Hall into a stage for some amazing artists to produce a heady mix of sparkling entertainment, alongside the gorgeous Aussie grub, wine, beer and cocktails in their secret garden.
Founded by Georgie Black, House of Oz was part of the important UK/Australia Season 2021-22, the largest ever cultural exchange between the UK and Australia.
It featured drama, circus, film, poetry, comedy, cabaret and tons of music, all authentically and unmistakably Australian with a fun tone of voice. House of Oz welcomed artists and audience alike, promoting entertainment, dialogue, learning and of course an intense desire to visit Australia.
The many highlights included 81-year-old living legend actor John Bell AO OBE, founder of Bell Shakespeare, rummaging through his swag of favourite things, fishing out poems, stories and backstage gossip.
Cabaret queen and mega-voice Geraldine Quinn made a triumphant return to Edinburgh after an long absence of 10 years with her show Broad, a runaway hit at Melbourne Comedy Festival 2022.
Fresh talent – though huge on social media – made their Edinburgh debut, including Gabbi Bolt and Leonardo Sunshine of house band The Tin Knees.
First Nations artists presenting new shows and material for the first time in Edinburgh included Dane Simpson, Elaine Crombie, Mitch Tambo and Sean Choolburra.
