Assembly Festival have announced their first batch of shows for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe which takes place from Wednesday 31 July–Monday 26 August. Performances take place across the capital at five venues, including their year-round base at Assembly Roxy. Tickets for all announced shows are on sale now.

Among the theatre highlights, writer/performer Gary McNair presents Dear Billy, A Love Letter To The Big Yin. Written to commemorate Billy Connolly’s 80th birthday year (in 2022), this National Theatre Of Scotland production is a big-hearted celebration of one of Scotland’s biggest exports. Other theatre offerings include Brian Foster’s award-winning Myra’s Story, the sombre tale of a middle-aged homeless alcoholic; Nigel Miles-Thomas in Sherlock Holmes The Last Act; and ‘immersive DJ bromance’ Pali And Jay’s Ultimate Asian Wedding DJ Roadshow.

After storming last year’s festival, Glaswegian comedian Susie McCabe returns with new show Merchant Of Menace, hot on the heels of her BBC Scotland stand-up special, Femme Fatality. Fringe veteran Jason Byrne presents No Show in which he aims to create a ‘once in a lifetime show’ using his wits, his audience and his big bag of props. Other returning comedians include Jessie Cave, Rob Auton and Aunty Ginger.

Best Of Burlesque: 10 Years Of Tease is the longest-running Fringe night of its ilk, and it celebrates ‘bodies, tradition, acceptance and inclusivity’ in the iconic Bijou Spiegeltent. Ben Hart presents HEX, a celebration of his first decade at the Fringe, featuring classic routines and some new tricks. And this Fringe marks one of the last chances to see The Black Blues Brothers. Their acrobatic, R&B-infused tribute to John Landis’ classic musical action comedy is on its farewell tour, having been performed in front of more than 500,000 spectators across the world.

The Edinburgh Fringe will take place from Wednesday 31 July–Monday 26 August. Find out more about Assembly Festival on their official site.