Fest Best: A Cabaret Primer

Fascinating Aïda: Cheap Flights

Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3-29 August

Led by the inimitable Dillie Keane, the undisputed mavens of British cabaret bring a new show to this year's Fringe in Cheap Flights. Now in their 27th performing year, and with great things promised from new soprano Sarah Louise Young, can Fascinating Aïda keep true to their long and cherished tradition of utterly irreverent comic musings and song?  More importantly, can they rustle up another YouTube sensation?

Evelyn Evelyn

Assembly George Square, 17-21 August

Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley make their first appearance in Edinburgh as Evelyn Evelyn, "the world's only conjoined singer-songwriter duo". Starring as inseparable twin sisters Eva and Lyn (get it?), the duo's show will offer an insight into the tragic life story of the ill-omened protagonists. Yes, it sounds like a new Tim Burton film, but given the performers—Palmer is one half of hipster favourites The Dresden Dolls—we’ll give it a shot.

The Blue Lady Sings Back

theSpaces on North Bridge, 5-27 August

Round two for probably the strangest cabaret act around as painted songstress Tricity Vogue drags her character The Blue Lady kicking and screaming back to the Fringe for a second year. Gimmicks aside, Vogue has earned a reputation as a cheeky, engaging and often risqué performer. Just don’t expect too much by way of a plot.