Return to Oz this August! House Of Oz is presenting a packed programme for Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023
Highlights showcasing the diversity of talent that Australia has to offer, include immersive theatre Two Strangers Walk into A Bar; contemporary circus act, Common Dissonance; and the UK debut of trans comedian Anna Piper Scott’s award-winning new show, Such an Inspiration.
House of Oz is right at the heart of the Fringe, in the historic King’s Hall building, next to Summerhall and the Meadow.
The building is transformed into a hub throughout August and there’s even a secret garden – The Outback – where audiences can enjoy Australian food and drink before taking their pick of the eight daily shows.
Show 1 – Two Strangers Walk into a Bar
Two Strangers Walk Into a Bar is the Adelaide smash-hit that invites audience members to forge connections with a complete stranger.
It is created by award-winning actor, writer and director Tilda Cobham-Harvey.
As an actor, Tilda can be seen in films like Hotel Mumbai and I Am Woman. Her directorial debut, A Field Guide to Being a 12-Year-Old Girl was awarded the Crystal Bear for Best Short Film by the Youth Jury of the 68th Berlin International Film Festival.
Show 2 – Maureen
A breakout theatrical success from festivals across Australia, Maureen celebrates the indomitable voice, wisdom and passion of dames who defy invisibility.
Framed by velvet, Jatz crackers and cigarettes, writer and star Jonny Hawkins transforms into “working class glamour queen” Maureen, delivering a touching homage to older people and a fascinating deconstruction of how society views them.
Show 3 – Common Dissonance
Common Dissonance from Melbourne-based Na Djinang Circus, blends circus and contemporary theatre.
It explores modern Australian identity and asks if there is space for the acceptance of indigenous spirituality in 21st century Australia.
It asks people how they can make peace with the past, accept differences and make space for each other in a shared future.
Show 4 – Anna Piper Scott: Such an Inspiration
In the world of comedy, audiences have plenty to look forward to including the latest offering from one of Australia’s most exciting, rising stars: 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.
Anna’s past shows have earned her a nomination for Best Comedy at the Melbourne Fringe in 2019 and a win for Best of the Fest at Fringe at the End of the World in 2020.
Show 5 – Beetle
Younger audiences won’t be left out this year, with plenty for all the family to enjoy.
Beetle, a new work from acclaimed physical theatre artists Legs On The Wall follows the story of a child on a quest to search for the elusive Christmas Beetle.
It’s 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.
Show 6 – The Listies Make Some Noise
Making their 10th Fringe appearance, family Fringe favourites The Listies return with Make Some Noise, a 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.
Show 7 – A Migrant’s Son
Michaela Burger traverses her family’s past in this new, original musical tribute.
This multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed show ignites memories of a story that millions of migrants can relate to.
Featuring a live band, including piano and bouzouki, Michaela pays tribute to her Greek migrant family and hard-working, fun-loving father Luke who defied all odds.
Show 8 – Leather Lungs: Higher Love
Armed with stilettos and a four-octave range, Leather Lungs: Higher Love is set to raise the roof of the House of Oz.
He has sung with Adele, performed for the Beckhams, and has written and performed in dozens of solo cabaret shows across Australia and New Zealand, winning the Adelaide Fringe Best Cabaret Weekly Awards in 2020 and 2021.
Now, the queen of falsetto storms into Edinburgh with a heart-stopping celebration of liberation and exploration, featuring powerhouse anthems from Queen and Abba.
To find out more about the show timings at the House of Oz in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, click here