Cabaret and Variety Picks

Little Death Club

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, Aug 3–24, not 12, 8:00pm

The first rule of Little Death Club is that there are no rules in Little Death Club. The Queen of Weimar punk Bernie Dieter is back as the silky voiced mistress of ceremonies in the most debauched authentic cabaret on the circuit. Dieter’s fierce reputation as a powerhouse performer, host and beady-eyed curator is thoroughly deserved and attracts the best talent to her showcase. Previous acts including burlesque legend Kitty Bang Band and Le Gateau Chocolat. Expect circus, comedy, song and plenty of (literal) fire at this utterly hedonistic night out. The club of Little Death lives up to its name, French slang for orgasm.

Magical Bones: Black Magic

Underbelly Bristo Square, 31 Jul–25 Aug, not 12, 6:25pm

How can you freshen the tired format of close-up card tricks? Well if you're Richard Essien, you fuse your sleight of hand with slick moves. Having danced with the likes of Madonna and the Black-Eyed Peas, Peckham-born Essien now fuses hip-hop culture with street magic, quite possibly making it cool again. This year the self-proclaimed "only breakdancing magician in the world" makes his Fringe debut having wowed audiences in the 2016 West End hit magic show Impossible and TV series Around The World in 80 Tricks. Fingers crossed he includes his signature backflip ‘Is this your card’ jaw-dropping routine.

Bubble Show for Adults Only

theSpace, 2–24 Aug, not 12, 18, times and venues vary

Yes, it already takes the prize for one of the best titles on the Fringe, but this returning erotic show does genuinely have some pop. A mixture of ridiculous clowning, sensual dancing and incredible bubble art, the show offers something truly unique in a sea of sequin dresses draped over pianos and mediocre burlesque. And Bubble Show for Adults Only has an impressive CV, including performances at Soho’s seedy heaven The Box nightclub. Go clean up your act in the most fun you can possibly have with a bar of soap.

Piñata

Gilded Balloon, Patter Hoose, 24 Aug, 11:15pm

The Peckham performance-party Piñata have been smashing it (pun entirely intended) down in south London at their wonderfully absurd DIY monthly cabaret. For one night only, Piñata's incredible mix of designers, comedians and artists are bringing the rave to Edinburgh. A late night line-up featuring some of their best acts from the last three years of madness and of course, smashing a piñata with bats in a violent glittery finale. It's complete pandemonium with party games and a sure sell out. Get your ticket early, it's what Dionysus would have wanted.