Festival

TOP 20 The number of acts performing at this year’s Festival might seem a trifle overwhelming, so here’s a round-up of 20 unmissable shows

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BOOKS COMEDY

Kate Tempest Her first novel, The Bricks that Built the House, explores the hopes and dreams of a host of characters living in London. See preview, page 35. Charlotte Square Gardens, 13 Aug. Ahir Shah: Machines Philosophical ponderings covering such diverse topics as democracy, internationalism and lizards. See review, page 56. Laughing Horse at Cabaret Voltaire, until 28 Aug.

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THEATRE MUSIC

Fern Brady: Male Comedienne After the success of last year’s People are Idiots, Brady presents a razor- sharp look at gender, class and Catholicism in her new show. But will it be enough to win her a longed-for invitation to the annual brunch for female Fringe comedians? See review, page 47. The Stand Comedy Club 2, until 28 Aug (not 15).

Us / Them Brussels-based BRONKS theatre company present a show for children centred on the 2014 Beslan school siege. See review, page 88. Summerhall, until 28 Aug (not 15, 22). Young Fathers Mercury Award and Scottish Album of the Year winners with their electro and bass-heavy hip hop sounds. See preview, page 73. The Hub, 14 & 15 Aug.

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Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs Cumming brings sass, sap and sauciness to the International Festival in a show based on his infamous Broadway dressing room parties. See review, page 84. The Hub, until 27 Aug (not 14, 15, 22).

The Listies 6D (Twice as Good as 3D) Anarchic kids’ comedy duo are back with a new show that doesn’t shy away from ninja grannies, toilet paper canons and vomiting puppets. Stand well back... See review, page 67. Assembly Roxy, until 21 Aug. Chris Gethard: Career Suicide That face from The Office, Parks & Recreation and Broad City presents a cheery-sounding hour of stand-up about depression, alcoholism and suicide. See review, page 51. Pleasance Dome, until 29 Aug (not 15).

6 THE LIST FESTIVAL 11–18 Aug 2016