Heath McIvor

Fringe
After his marvellous triumph wandering around the Forest of Dreamswith Sammy J, the Australian puppeteer introduces his filthy new character Randy, straight outta purgatory.
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Stand by Your Van

Fringe
That rather peculiar sport of holding onto a vehicle until you’re the last person standing has a cult following in the US. This interactive play shows the dark side of this pursuit.
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The Discovery of Spain

Edinburgh Art Festival
The gloriously warm and deep history of Spanish art comes our way with a major exhibition featuring prominent works by Picasso, Goya and El Greco on display.
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Janeane Garofalo

Fringe
There won’t be too many more outspoken comics around here as this stand-up of small height but massive stature debuts.
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David Peace

Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Yorkshire writer has left Japan and returned home in the year that his profile has never been higher. A new fictionalised take on a true Tokyo crime is his latest work.
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Faust

Edinburgh International Festival
Set to be one of the genuine barnstorming experiences of the month, this retelling of the Goethe story by Silviu Purcarete takes us screaming all the way to hell and back.
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Gelabert Azzopardi

Edinburgh International Festival
Spain’s renowned husband and wife dance company bring two pieces to the Festival Theatre with the emphasis upon energy while not ignoring the potential for tranquil beauty.
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Chet Baker

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
The man who gave jazz trumpet a good name back in the 1950s is celebrated with a play, a debate and a classic documentary.
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David Byrne

Fringe
Everyone’s favourite Dumbarton-born New York musical polymath harks back to his Eno period with his latest material.
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Ibrahim Electric

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
Afro-beat meets funky soul with this trio who simply blast away the opposition. High energy and intoxicating sounds are assured.
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RAW

Fringe
Dance Base is spreading its wings this year and offers some Fringe fun away from its Grassmarket home. Fidget Feet play their part by providing an aerial extravaganza.
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Visualise: Reloaded

Fringe
The Fringe does its bit to keep science in kids’ minds and this show provides a wordless feast for the eye and brain.
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Die Roten

Fringe
Punkte Bigger than U2? Potentially more pompous than Coldplay? The sibling duo with more issues than the White Stripes are quite probably not what they first seem.
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David Simon

Edinburgh International Book Festival
True crime and social structures are the chosen topics of the former Baltimore journalist and creator of The Wire.
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Wilson Twins

Edinburgh Art Festival
They may split opinion with their beguiling film installations, but Jane and Louise Wilson have continued to disorientate, baffle and please viewers for two decades.
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Frank Skinner

Fringe
This cheeky chappie with the dirty mind tells all about his life on the road while helping to entertain the Fringe masses for a relatively small cash outlay.
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Admeto, re’di Tessaglia

Edinburgh International Festival
A classical Greek world is given a Japanese spin with this opera from acclaimed filmmaker, producer and author Doris Dörrie as we take yet another journey to hell and back.
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Brian Friel

Edinburgh International Festival
A seductive mini-retrospective from the playwright who some have reckoned is the Irish Chekhov. Three plays at the King’s will surely cement his reputation.
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World Press Photo

Festival of Politics
It tells a story in the snap of button and photographs from around the globe get a platform in this amazing exhibit.
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Catwalk Confidential

Fringe
Robyn Peterson began modelling at the tender age of 14. Her one- woman show will detail a decade of Paris fashion.
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Theatre of Widdershins

Fringe
Innovation is the byword from this kids theatre group with the awesomely entitled Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom - this year’s vivid offering. Hold onto your seats.
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Germaine Greer

Festival of Politics
The outspoken Australian academic rolls on by Holyrood way for a date at the Parliament. Let the fireworks begin.
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St Kilda

Edinburgh International Festival
A majestic opera which focuses on the steady emptying of an island and fits perfectly into the International Festival’s theme of migration and potential for a homecoming.
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Nashashibi/Skaer

Edinburgh Art Festival
Inspired by a wartime painting by Paul Nash, this pair deliver a film project which seeks to spread their artistic range.
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Jacqueline Wilson

Edinburgh International Book Festival
She has sold literally millions of books for her occasionally controversial take on growing up in Britain, and the former Children’s Laureate is lapping it up.
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Enter Shikari

Fringe
Any band that merges hardcore dance with strong punk values will always be dubbed the new Prodigy. This quartet have plenty ideas about making a name for themselves.
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My Life with the Dogs

Fringe
NIE bring us the totally true story of a boy who lived with local pooches on the streets of Moscow for two years. What did that say about his guardians and Russian society?
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Alan Davie

Edinburgh Art Festival
A true rennaisance man of Scottish art, the prolific Hertfordshire-based painter, silversmith and jazz player is celebrated with a stunning retrospective.
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Beachy Head

Fringe
Analogue reached into the heart of darkness with a play about death on the underground. Now the suicide spot takes their fancy.
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Lady Garden

Fringe
One of last year’s sleeper comedy hits return with more silly sketches. These women of substance are set for the big time.
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