Now that the Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme has finally been announced, no doubt you'll be frantically flicking through pages, trying to decide what to watch in August. We've rounded-up some of the best theatre shows on offer, to make the decision making a little easier for you.

Walking the Tightrope
A collection of short plays that question the freedom of expression within UK arts, which comes with anm integral panel discussion.
Underbelly Topside, Wed 5–Mon 31 Aug

Tether
The unsung heroes of marathons, the guides for blind runners, are given centre-stage in a tale of trust, firndship and ambition.
Underbelly Cowgate, Thu 6–Sun 30 Aug

Girl from Nowhere
The 1960s were all about liberation – except for women. Can a sweet Southern girl escape from Texas only to find another oppressive male-dominated world?
Pleasance Courtyard, Wed 5– Mon 31 Aug

When Blair had Bush and Bunga
A political satire that may continue shocking material, in Patrick Ryecart’s fantasy of sexual and social chaos around Blair’s summer holiday.
Pleasance One, Wed 5– Sun 31 Aug

This Much (or An Act of Violence Towards the Institution of Marriage)
Masculinity (in crisis, perhaps) is a major theme within the Fringe: Moving Dust capture three men in the aftermath of a wedding disco, where they find questions about the worth of their lives, and what they hope to be.
Zoo, Fri 7–Sun 31 Aug

Am I Dead Yet?
As medical science challenges the finality of death, Unlimited Theatre ask – with added songs – how the future might be without death.
Traverse, Tue 18–Sat 30 Aug

Weekend Rockstars
Luke Barnes’ new play-cum-gig looks at living for the weekend, and finding meaning when the music’s over.
Underbelly Cowgate, Thu 6–Sat 30 Aug

Acts of Redemption
A series of monologues that find the pathos and humour in modern life, alienation and getting locked out of the house.
Underbelly Cowgate, Thu 6–Sat30 Aug

The Orchid and The Crow
Daniel Tobias lost his faith in God and a testicle. Picking Lance Armstrong as a new hero, he discovers that bad luck does come in threes.
Assembly Roxy, Thu 6–Thu 27 Aug

Every Brilliant Thing
New writing mavens Paines Plough bring their hit play of depression and extreme love from a successful Off-Broadway run.
Roundabout @ Summerhall, Sat 8–Sat 30 Aug

Fourth Monkey’s Grimm Tales
The lively company take on four of the masters’ familar fantasies and dig out the mature themes in the sometimes sanitised stories.
The Space on Niddry Street, Fri 7–Fri 29 Aug

The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven
Reverential and charming reflection on the loving God of Christianity, through the filter of a transgender messiah.
Summerhall, Wed 5–Sat 30 Aug

Swallow
Stef Smith’s new script, featuring live music from sometime Young Fathers’ collaborator LAWholt, on the extremities of everyday life.
Traverse, Sun 9 –Sat 30 Aug

Nina Simone Black Diva Power
Ruth Rogers-Wright sings her way through Simone’s catalogue and her relationship with civil rights activist Lorraine Hansberry.
New Town Theatre, Thu 6–Sat 30 Aug

Wendy Hoose
Johnny McKnight’s saucy comedy of sexual manners is a compassionate take on casual desires.
The Assembly Rooms, Mon 17–Sun 30 Aug

The Remnants
Promising post-dramatic action, film, poetry and dance, Shrapnel Theatre celebrate love and loss and confessional theatre.
C, Wed 5–Sun 31 Aug

Dylan Thomas, The Man, The Myth
‘Fringe Legend’ Guy Masterson brings life to Wales’ most celebrated poet.
Assembly Roxy, Thu 6–Mon 22 Aug

White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
Now a familiar Fringe standard, the play is performed by a different, and new, actor each night.
Assembly George Square, Thu 6–Sun 16 Aug

How To Keep an Alien
A comic autobiographical tale and visa-crossed lovers in contemporary Ireland.
Traverse, Fri 7–Sun 30 Aug

101 Reasons Why I #@%$ Katie Hopkins
Why so few?
Sweet, Thu 6–Sun 30 Aug