If you're of the opinion that great comedy should include relentless gags, jokes and witty anecdotes, you're most definitely wrong because sometimes silence is golden. The various silent comics that are making their way to Edinburgh this year will attest to this, proving that you don't always need actual words to shine. We round up some of our favourite mime acts that are taking on the Fringe this year.

Attached

A knockabout experimental circus show from one big man and one little dude that has wooed European audiences. As Swede Manu and Italian Massimilliano fly and fall together, the allegory is clear: despite our divisions, humans are inexorably reliant upon one another.
Attached, Underbelly, George Square, 03333 444167, 5–27 Aug (not 14, 21), 3.15pm, £12–£14 (£11–£13). Previews 3 & 4 Aug, £7.

Chapshtick

A non-verbal delight as 'two loveable idiots' prove how daft it is to be a man. From playing chess to acting all flirty, Luke and Simon show us that blokes are bonkers.
Chapshtick, New Town Theatre, George Street, 0131 558 9005, 4–27 Aug (not 15), 4.10pm, £9 (£8). Preview 3 Aug, £8 (£7).

Trygve vs a Baby

Last year, Fringe audiences were asked to watch a grandmother play with her seven-month-old grandchild for half an hour. This year, Kiwi silent comic Trygve Wakenshaw attempts to convince us that he's funnier than his one-year-old son, Phineas.
Trygve vs a Baby, Assembly Roxy, Roxburgh Place, 0131 623 3030, 5–27 Aug (not 14, 21), 3pm, £11–£12.50 (£10–£11.50). Previews 3 & 4 Aug, £8.

Slipstick

Buenos Aries-born Martin Kent (his Superman obsession led to that stage surname) certainly comes with a bold promise as 'one of the best mime and impersonator artistes in Europe'.
Slipstick, C, Chambers Street, 0845 260 1234, 16–28 Aug, noon, £7.50–£9.50 (£3.50–£5.50).

Släpstick

credit: Foto Jaap Reedijk
This Dutch five-piece might crash around and eccentrically play their instruments, but not a word goes between them as they evoke the timeless vibe of Charlie Chaplin and the Marx Brothers.
Släpstick, Assembly George Square Theatre, George Square, 0131 623 3030, 4–27 Aug, 6pm, £12–£14 (£10). Previews 2 & 3 Aug, £9.