Sex, of course, was designed as a reproductive strategy and became a way for humans to experience intimacy that words just can't express. Capitalism weaponised it as a commodity, and theatre-makers use it variously to open up discussions of desire and equality, emotion and morality–or attract audiences hoping to get a cheap thrill. While the Fringe has far greater problems with deadly sins other than lust (pride and greed making up the subtext of many press releases), some shows want to have a word about the wonderful world of human sexuality.

It isn't as easy to find shows explicitly about sex in the Fringe brochure as it is to find revivals of Greek classical tragedy: plenty of shows have a subtext, but there is little that appeals straight to the libido. There are more shows about social media, so perhaps humanity has finally evolved to a point where interacting with computers is more thrilling than encountering another physical being.

Smut Slam Cabaret
Ethically sourced filth gets an open mic session under through Camryn Moore's global campaign to share 'authentic sexuality', with added glitter for its Fringe editions. At the same venue, Moore will be giving Terrible Sex Tips throughout the Fringe.
Sweet Grassmarket, 8–23 Aug

The Illicit Thrill: Breakin' the Rules
Gypsy Charms' annual hardcore reflection on lap-dancing is often mistaken for pure filth–and it is certainly a frank, erotic and provocative step up from burlesque titillation. However, the full-frontal nudity unflinchingly addresses serious issues of sexual freedom, exploitation and liberation, appealing for artistic freedom and hiding Charms' remarkable intelligence and detailed research.
Voodoo Rooms, 3–26 Aug

Banging and Screwing
Winner of the Ronseal award for most direct title at the Fringe, this musical pits two men in a context to prove their masculinity. May contain scenes of DIY and have nothing to do with sexual activity at all.
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, 3–18 Aug

Aphrodite and the Invisible Consumer Gods
The Greek goddess of love arrives in the twenty-first century, and tries to work out how her domain of concern has been re-imagined by the rise of the internet. Promising physical theatre and comedy, Sam Donvito comes from Adelaide to Edinburgh to ponder the big questions of life under social media.
Zoo Charteris, 12 – 27 Aug

Skin a Cat

Carmen Funebre
In Carmen Funebre, Teatr Biuro Podrozy brings back their large scale 1995 show that emphasises the impact of war on civilians but is based on a story driven by raw sexual desire. Their second offering at this year's Fringe, Carmen: A Gender-Filled Film Noir Fantasy, devises a discussion of personal good and evil using the same erotic clash of male neediness and female freedom.
Carmen Funebre, Pleasance at EICC, 16–19 Aug
Carmen: Gender Flipped, Laughing Horse @ The Mockingbird, 20–26 Aug

Kids Play
The advert features a man in his underpants, holding a teddy-bear and wearing handcuffs. The blurb in the Fringe brochure suggests a big night out, and the possibility of danger. Boteproductions claim the boy is searching for love, but that advert suggests something more physical is being considered.
theSpace @ Niddry Street, 13–25 Aug

Skin a Cat
New writing that follows a woman's attempts to lose her virginity. With its innuendo-based title and promise of laughter as Alana's quest is repeatedly interrupted, Rive Productions seem to be aiming for the funny rather than the erotic.
Assembly Rooms, 2–25 Aug

Lovecraft (Not the Sex Shop in Cardiff)
Despite the cheeky title, Carys Eleri gets into the neuroscience of love and loneliness, working with a real neuro-scientist and a former member of 4Hero. Since it includes a song called Tit Montage and concludes that hugging is the answer, sexual content is mildly indicated.
Summerhall, 1–26 Aug

Danger Strip Show
Part of Chaz Royal's burlesque line-up, Danger Strip adds 'death-defying stunts' to 'the world's oldest artform'. Probably a good bet for a spot of sanctioned voyeurism, with Royal established as a player in the burlesque world both through his Fringe slots and London-based festival.
Assembly George Square Gardens, 2–26 Aug