To celebrate the 70th year of the world's largest arts festival, the Fringe's 'big four' venues have worked harder than ever to create programmes which showcase creativity from across the globe. Across theatre, comedy, music, dance, circus, cabaret and more, there's a number of familiar faces returning (including 2016's hit show Driftwood, comedians Scott Gibson and James Acaster and singer-actress Camille O'Sullivan), plus those breaking new ground. To avoid the mid-August stress of hearing about the best shows only to find they're sold out, we've predicted the ones that'll sell out quickly. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Gilded Balloon

Scott Gibson: Like Father Like Son
After winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2016, Gibson is back with a new show looking at the important men in his life.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Wed 2–Mon 28 Aug

Borders by Henry Naylor
Two-time Fringe First-winner Naylor explores the traumatic events faced by refugees, telling the story of a sinking fishing boat crossing the Mediterranean and a pregnant Syrian woman who can't swim.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Wed 2–Mon 28 Aug

The Craig Ferguson Show
For two weeks, Craig Ferguson will return to the Fringe after 20 years to host his two hour radio show live in front of an audience.
Rose Theatre, Mon 7–Fri 18 Aug

Aunty Donna: Big Boys
Described as a mix of The Mighty Boosh and Flight of the Conchords, Aussie sketch comedy boys Aunty Donna are a regular Fringe sell out.
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Wed 2–Mon 14 Aug

Luisa Omielan: The Interlude – Politics for Bitches/What Would Mary Magdalene Do?!
Following her hit shows Am I Right Ladies?! and What Would Beyonce Do?!, Omielan is back to chat about politics (for bitches).
Gilded Balloon at the Museum, Wed 2–Sun 27 Aug

Pleasance

Sue Perkins Live! in Spectacles
Known for her appearances on The Great British Bake Off, Insert Name Here, Spelling Bee, Have I Got News for You, Just a Minute, QI and The News Quiz, Sue Perkins takes to the stage for an afternoon of comedy and a lively Q&A session.
Pleasance Courtyard, Wed 23–Sun 27 Aug

James Acaster: The Trelogy
This year, Acaster brings a trilogy of shows to the Fringe; Recognise (Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee 2014), Represent (Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee 2015) and Reset (Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee 2016).
Pleasance Courtyard, Wed 2–Sun 27 Aug

The Wrestling
Back for just one night, The Wrestling sees Fringe comedians scrap with pro wrestlers in a hilarious evening of organised chaos.
Pleasance Courtyard, Tue 15 Aug

Tape Face
As seen on the Royal Variety Performance, The Boy with Tape on his Face returns for another touching show.
Pleasance Courtyard, Wed 2–Sun 27 Aug

Red Bastard: Lie With Me
Eric Davis brings his clown theatre comedy to Edinburgh for another year, exposing the lies we tell our loved ones. Complete sell-out 2013/14.
Pleasance Courtyard, Wed 2–Sun 27 Aug

Assembly

Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert
A brand new stand up show from Irish Mock The Week regular, Ed Byrne.
Assembly George Square, Wed 2 Aug–Sun 27 Aug

Al Murray: The Pub Landlord's Saloon
The English comedian and TV personality returns to Edinburgh with his braggart alter ego, The Pub Landlord.
Assembly George Square, Thu 17–Sun 27 Aug

Driftwood
The five-strong circus troupe from the multi award-winning Australian company, Casus Circus, are back. Driftwood got the full five stars from us last year.
Assembly George Square, Thu 3–Sat 5 Aug

How to Win Against History
A musical about the life of Henry Cyril Paget, the fifth Marquis of Anglesey. How to Win Against History won a Fringe First Award in 2016.
Assembly George Square, Thu 3–Sun 27 Aug

David O'Doherty: Big Time
The Irish comedian brings back the musical comedy hit, Big Time for a brief three day run for his 16th Fringe.
Assembly Hall, Fri 25–Sun 27 Aug

Underbelly

Alexei Sayle
An alternative comedy show from the man behind the Chortle Award-nominated BBC Radio 4 series Alexei Sayle's Imaginary Sandwich Bar.
Underbelly Med Quad, Wed 2–Fri 11 Aug

Austentatious
Creating a new Jane Austin masterpiece from a single audience suggestion, Austentatious has sold out for the past five years.
Underbelly George Square, Thu 3–Mon 28 Aug

Circa: Humans
Yaron Lifschitz' Circa come to Edinburgh from a season at Sydney Festival. In Humans, the ten acrobats explore what it means to be human and how our bodies and aspirations form part of who we are.
Underbelly Circus Hub, Fri 4–Sat 26 Aug

Lula Del Ray by Manual Cinema
After their 2016 sell out show Ada/Ava, Manual Cinema introduce Lula del Ray – performed with projectors, shadow puppets, actors in silhouette and live music.
Underbelly Med Quad, Wed 2–Mon 28 Aug

Camille O'Sullivan: Where Are We Now?
O'Sullivan premieres her new show asking the audience, Where Are We Now? With a five-strong backing band, she takes the audience through songs she loves, dedicating the show to David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and others.
Underbelly Circus Hub, Fri 4–Sat 26 Aug