Time Out and Soho Theatre are delighted to announce the winner of their inaugural Edinburgh cabaret award: Lady Rizo.

Lady Rizo, who this year made her European debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, was unanimously agreed by the judges as the winner of TO&ST, the Time Out & Soho Theatre Edinburgh Cabaret Award, the Fringe's first ever prize created to recognise cabaret work. From a very strong shortlist, Lady Rizo clearly stood out with her extraordinary voice, audience engagement, charisma and humour, in a very accomplished, slick show that embraces the joy of cabaret.

Lady Rizo was presented her award on the evening of Wednesday 22 August by the three award judges, Time Out Cabaret Editor Ben Walters, Soho Theatre Comedy & Cabaret Producer Steve Lock and Artistic Director of the Glasgow Cabaret Festival Frodo McDaniel.

On their decision the judges said:

‘I’m confident that Time Out readers who respond to the cabaret artists we have been championing for many years will find Lady Rizo sensational.’ Ben Walters

‘I love the spirit, joy and energy of Lady Rizo and we are delighted that she is the first winner of the cabaret award.’ Steve Lock

‘For a Fringe debut I could clearly see a cabaret star in the making. She deserves to be spoken of in the same breath as Camille O’Sullivan and Meow Meow.’ Frodo McDaniel

The award shortlist also included:

For information on all of the 2012 Award Winners, visit our 2012 Award Winners page which will be updated throughout August.