Edinburgh Festival listings

Lady banjo players extraordinaire tour their bluegrass ballads.

Beckett on Film: Catastrophe: Directed by David Mamet and starring Harold Pinter, Rebecca Pidgeon and John Gielgud. Rough for Theatre II: Directed by Katie Mitchell and starring Jim Norton, Timothy Spall and Hugh B O’Brien. Breath: Directed by Damien †Hirst.

He is renowned as one of the finest artists of the Renaissance – but Leonardo da Vinci was also one of the greatest anatomists the world has ever seen. Leonardo da Vinci: The Mechanics of Man explores the artist’s groundbreaking work in anatomy. His studies of the human body are presented alongside state-of-the-art modern…

Maddy’s Many Mouths is the hilariously surreal story of a woman with a compulsion to mimic strangers. Gliding through an unbelievable array of characters, Maddy embarks on a riotous quest to find out who she really is.

Join the city of Edinburgh in a celebration of summer festivals, inspirational music and breathtaking pyrotechnics as the Virgin Money Fireworks Concert brings the Edinburgh International Festival to a resplendent conclusion. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh’s iconic Castle, the evening brings together…

German singer Andreas Scholl is one of classical music’s superstars, and has introduced countless listeners to the irresistible beauty of his countertenor voice. His acclaimed performances match exquisite grace in his singing with a charismatic stage presence, packed full of passion and an arresting freedom of expression.

Observational humour from the Dublin-stand-up and actor about reaching middle age.

Composer Tod Machover, conductor Peter Oundjian and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra take us through the creation of a new piece of music celebrating the City of Edinburgh and its Festival and co-created by members of the public.

A concert of warmth and lyricism that draws on the refined playing for which the Scottish Chamber Orchestra is renowned. Principal conductor Robin Ticciati is joined by the remarkable National Youth Choir of Scotland and two exceptional solo vocal talents. Sir Thomas Allen is one of Britain’s best-loved singers…

Music since recording is a new art form, which bears only as much resemblance to traditional, performed music as cinema does to theatre. What are the special characteristics of this new art? How did it evolve? Where might it be going? Brian Eno shares his thoughts.

Bach to Berio, Lutoslawski to Puttin’ on the Ritz performed by Iain Archibald and Andrew Connell-Smith (trumpet), Martin Murphy (horn), Gordon Seith (trombone) and Fraser Russell (tuba).

A spooky, silly radio play live onstage! Hecate return to the Fringe with a feast of fun and fright, featuring six actors, original music and a smorgasbord of silly voices. ‘Very funny, very intriguing’ ★★★★ (RemoteGoat.co.uk).

The cult Australian comedian, not for the faint of heart, brings another show brimming in foul-mouthed rants and questionable taste to the Fringe.

Michelin starred and award-winning chefs cook up a storm at this year's festival dedicated to epicureans, as well as offerings from local producers and workshops for food lovers young and old.

Songs, sketches, falsetto and violence, laced with a sci-fi theme from the ever popular Sock Puppets.

Grab your top tickets to talent-spot this year's stellar crop of industry approved breakthrough comedians, plus some who are already rather famous! Every showcase is different, so keep coming back.

World Premiere: Travelling salesman and sole breadwinner for his family, Gregor Samsa awakes one day to discover that he has been transformed into a giant insect. Unable to communicate and shocking to anyone who sees him, he is forced into a solitary existence confined to his room. As he becomes insufferable to himself…

A political play based on actual signs created in and for the Occupy Oakland movement. Riveting theatre from the voice of Oakland's youth, sharing their commentary from all points of view during this politically charged movement.

A new one-act play by Sian Williams. ‘She's taken all my ideas!’ ‘Your ideas?’ Celia is strapped for cash. Angie has a burning ambition. Phil is down but, funnily, not out and Peter wants a quiet life…

When Father Christmas finishes his rounds he realises that he's forgotten to do something rather important and he really needs a WEE! A brilliantly bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan's much loved book.