We’re off to the Fringe! Here’s what’s top of our list at this year’s theatrical extravaganza.

Improv: Blind Mirth

No trip to the Edinburgh Fringe would be complete without a spot of improv. And whilst there are some big names who are the undisputed royalty of improv – I’m thinking Baby Wants Candy or Austentatious – I’m personally looking forward to sampling something entirely fresh in the form of Blind Mirth. Described as St Andrews’ first, best and only improv comedy troupe, you can expect classic improv set-ups and witty intelligent humour.

Blind Mirth perform at theSpace on the Mile at 21.05 on the following dates: 4-5, 7-12, 14-19.

Theatre: Victim by Bruised Sky Productions

Following on from his success last year with Villain, I can whole heartedly recommend Martin Murphy’s new work, Victim. Villain shed light on the huge pressures of those who work in social services, and this new play turns the focus on the justice system, specifically prisons.

We meet a young female prison officer who has the same issues as most thirty-somethings; worrying about relationships, family and children, but she has the added pressure of managing some of the most difficult personalities who spend their life behind bars, and who will go to any length to play mind games with their keepers. Although there is no need to have seen the first play, Victim is cleverly linked to its predecessor and displays the same crisp characterisation as the first, but with a lot more dark humour thrown into the mix.

Victim plays at the Pleasance Courtyard at 2pm and is performed throughout the Fringe (except the 16th and 29th).

Circus: Humans

Why not try something entirely different while you’re up in Edinburgh? The number of circus shows is increasing year on year, and you can’t go wrong with the internationally acclaimed Circa and their thrilling new show Humans. Created by Yaron Lifschitz and fresh from a storming season at Sydney Festival, Humans is an ecstatic love letter to our endangered species. Watch as the acrobats can go faster, harder and higher than you thought possible, all whilst taking the audience on a journey of what it means to be human and of how our bodies, our connections and our aspirations all form part of who we are.

Circa: Humans can be seen at the Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows at 7pm and runs throughout the Fringe (except 9th, 14th, 21st and 27-29th).

Children’s Theatre: Peter and the Wolf

Should you have some littl’uns or still be up from the night before there is a rich choice of children’s theatre at the Fringe. Top of our list is Goblin Theatre, who’ve had previous success up in Edinburgh with Mr Tiger Goes Wild. This year they bring a modern retelling of a well-loved classic, Peter and the Wolf. Known for their creative, diverse and memorable children’s productions, Goblin brings a new angle to this tale of man vs. nature, giving particular attention to the character of the demonised wolf. Using puppetry, music and song, this show guarantees fun for the whole family at the fringe.

Goblin’s Peter and the Wolf plays at Assembly George Square Gardens at 11am until August 17th.

Wild Card: Lula del Ray by Manual Cinema

Ada/Ava was one of the highlights of Fringe 2016, and Manual Cinema are a completely unique company so who knows what their new show, Lula del Ray, will hold. What is certain is that they will use their signature mix of shadow puppetry and live music to create a magical, mind-blowing story. This is The PEG’s wild card choice because Manual Cinema have created their own genre of storytelling and so it becomes a must-see, even more so because the Edinburgh Fringe is one of the only places to see this company perform in the UK.

Lula del Ray is performed at the Underbelly Med Quad at 16:30 on 2-13, 15-28 of August.

Keep checking The PEG for regular updates about #WhatToWatch at the Edinburgh Fringe.