The Edinburgh Fringe Festival gets underway this week celebrating the arts festival's 75th year. With three weeks of shows from all walks of life, the festival runs until August 29th.
The story of the Fringe dates back to 1947, when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to the Edinburgh International Festival. Despite not being part of the official programme, these groups went ahead and staged their shows on the fringe of the festival, coining the now-iconic name and phrase.
As the festival grew, the Festival Fringe Society was created to formalise its existence, provide information, create and publish the programme and form a central box office. However, the society agreed they would never vet the festival's programme and, as one of its core principles, they are happy to include anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them.
Read more: All the new Edinburgh police measures being introduced for the Festival Fringe
The festival itself is spread across Edinburgh, with more than 250 different venues taking part in hosting thousands of shows. Underbelly is one of the largest venues at the festival, spread over four sites and hosting more than 400,000 people.
Where are the different sites?
The four sites under Underbelly's banner are listed below - followed by a selection of highlights from each venue.
- George Square, where you'll find the iconic upside-down purple cow. Find it at George Square Edinburgh EH8 9LD.
- Bristo Square, which will be home to 10 individual Underbelly venues, McEwan Hall, Cowbarn, Friesian, Jersey, Dexter, Dairy Room, Ermintrude, Buttercup, Clover and Daisy. Find it at Bristo Square, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG.
- The Circus Hub on the Meadows will showcase the best circus performances. Find it at Circus Hub, Middle Meadow Walk, The Meadows, Edinburgh EH9 9EX.
- Cowgate, in Edinburgh's Old Town, is described as Underbelly's beating heart and will be home to five performing spaces - Belly Laugh, Iron Belly, Big Belly, Belly Button and Belly Dancer - as well as a Cow Cafe and several other bars. Find it at Cowgate, 66 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JX.
What can I see at George Square?
The Magnets
What is it?: A journey to relive some of the greatest musical icons of all time with this sensational five-piece a capella super-group.
When is it on?: From August 3rd-9th at 7:40pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets cost £13.50
The Gruffalo, the Giant and the Mermaid with Julia Donaldson
What is it?: A brand-new show based on the works of one of the UK's best-selling children's authors
When is it on?: From August 4th-29th at 11am
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £8
Abandoman aka Rob Broderick
What is it?: A unique comedy show crafted by the audience, Abandoman uses his razor-sharp improvisation skills to craft a full discography of a fictional pop star.
When is it on?: From August 3rd-29th at 9:25pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £11
Rob Madge: My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)
What is it?: The joyous autobiographical story of social-media star Rob Madge's attempt to put on a parade with the help of his parents.
When is it on?: From August 4th-29th at 4:15pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £10
What can I see at Bristo Square?
Criminal
What is it?: A mystery where four comedians are tasked with solving a horrible murder, which promises chaos, death and giggles.
When is it on?: From August 10th-16th at 10:55pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £10
Scene Africa
What is it?: A celebration of African contributions to world culture with original music, dance and physical theatre.
When is it on?: From August 3rd-29th at 3:45pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £7
The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen
What is it?: Pirates, princesses, unions, dragons and castles of cheese will all star in this incredible children's show... and it's all true.
When is it on?: From August 3rd-29th at 11:45am
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £7
Beg For Me
What is it?: A riveting new play follows one man, exploring the intersection of misogyny, the alt-right and digital extremism.
When is it on?: From August 3rd-29th at 1pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £7
What can I see at Circus Hub on the Meadows?
Circus Abyssinia: Tulu
What is it?: Expect mesmerising fire juggling, awesome acrobatics and a showcase of superhuman strength and contortion.
When is it on?: From August 6th-27th at 2:15pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £16
La Clique
What is it?: A multi-award winning, internationally acclaimed cabaret spectacular featuring the best circus, comedy and cabaret.
When is it on?: From August 5th-27th at 7:35pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £14
Rebel
What is it?: A live circus rock tribute to the original rebel, David Bowie.
When is it on?: From August 6th-27th at 5:30pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £15.50
Splash Test Dummies
What is it?: Circus-filled hilarity for all the family featuring breath-taking stunts, acrobatics, juggling and slapstick comedy, perfect for the kids.
When is it on?: From August 6th-27th at 12:05pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £12.50
What can I see at Cowgate?
How to Keep Up with The Kardashians
What is it?: A cabaret campaign against keeping-up culture, a dance party protest about shaking it to the rhythm of our own drums, reclaiming power and confronting the ugly truth of our obsession with perfections.
When is it on?: From August 4th-14th at 2:20pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £7
Creepy Boys
What is it?: Described as a bizarre comedy with a splash of the occult as a pair of creepy twins throwing a birthday party
When is it on?: From August 12th-20th at 11:55pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £10
Happy Place
What is it?: The story of four strangers on an extraordinary journey in this comedic imagining of a world where happiness is commodified.
When is it on?: From August 15th-28th at 11:10am
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £9
Mudfish: Might as Well
What is it?: A hilarious quest as two siblings learn how to work together after finding themselves stuck down a well.
When is it on?: From August 4th-28th at 2:35pm
How much does it cost?: Tickets start from £7
Read more stories from the Fringe Festival here
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