From acrobats and aerialists to clowns and contortionists, contemporary circus is fast becoming one of the most popular genres at the Fringe. Here are some of our top picks for this year…

Backbone
Australian company Gravity and Other Myths and creators of popular hit A Simple Space returns to the Fringe with a new show that pushes the performers to the limits of their physical strength.
Backbone, Underbelly, Bristo Square, Wed 31 Jul–Mon 26 Aug (not 7, 12, 19), 5pm.

The Black Blues Brothers
Impressive tumbles, lifts and acrobatics from this energetic African foursome, whose every move is accompanied by a soulful back catalogue of tunes.
The Black Blues Brothers, Thu 1–Sun 25 Aug, 4.30pm.

Circa: Humans
The wonderful Circa returns to the Fringe with its 2017 hit Humans. Expect the Australian company's usual mix of powerful lifts, intelligent staging and emotional connection.
Circa: Humans, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Fri 2–Sat 24 Aug (not 7, 12, 19), 7pm.

Le Coup
Company 2, the sparky company behind Cantina and Scotch and Soda, presents its circus/variety twist on a fight night in one of Australia's infamous travelling 'Boxing Tents'.
Le Coup, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Sat 3–Sat 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 6pm.

Circa: Humans / credit: Sarah Walker

DNA
Having wowed us with Knee Deep, Driftwood and You & I, Australian company Casus take us on a personal journey into the heart of their own stories.
DNA, Assembly George Square Gardens, Thu 1–Sun 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 3.15pm.

Filament
Los Angeles-based company Short Round Productions take inspiration from 1980s films for their passionate mix of acrobatics and feel-good music.
Filament, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Sat 3–Sat 24 Aug (not 7, 12, 19), 5pm.

La Galerie
A gallery devoid of colour is slowly filled with vibrant hues, amid live music and acrobatics, in this athletic new show from Canadian company Machine de Cirque.
La Galerie, Thu 1–Sat 25 Aug (not 7, 12, 19), 6pm.

Knot
Created by Nikki Rummer and JD Broussé, in collaboration with Lost Dog's Ben Duke, Knot uses hand-to-hand circus skills to tell a story of love and commitment.
Knot, Assembly Roxy, Wed 31 Jul–Sat 25 Aug (not 6, 13, 20), 2.45pm.

La Galerie

Kombini
In the absence of a decent theatrical booking, two clowns reluctantly accept a job at a child's birthday party, in this thoughtful show from Canada's Les Foutoukours.
Kombini, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Sat 3–Sat 24 Aug (not 13, 20), 2pm.

My Land
One of the biggest hits of 2018 makes a welcome return. Fusing incredible skill with dramatic staging, this beautiful Hungarian show featuring Ukrainian acrobats takes circus in a new direction.
My Land, Assembly Rooms, Sat 3–Sun 25 Aug (not 5, 12, 19), 7.30pm.

Ockham's Razor: This Time
After the superb Tipping Point in 2016, Ockham's Razor is back at the Fringe with This Time, a new aerial show featuring performers aged 13–60.
Ockham's Razor: This Time, Saint Stephens Theatre, Thu 1–Sun 25 Aug (not 6, 13, 20), 3pm.

Raven
Acrobatic skills and storytelling combine in this show from Berlin's Still Hungry company, exploring preconceptions about working mothers and female circus artists.
Raven, Assembly Roxy, Wed 31 Jul–Mon 26 Aug (not 7, 13, 20), 5.50pm.

Cirque Berserk
If you've never seen the thrilling motorcycle act 'Globe of Death' (from between your fingers), then now's your chance as this 2018 Fringe hit returns. Expect knife throwing, foot juggling and trad skills that can't fail to impress.
Cirque Berserk, Pleasance at EICC, Fri 2–Sun 25 Aug (not 21), various times.

My Land

Rouge
Acrobatics, foot and fire juggling, hand balancing, aerial and a whole lot of sexed-up decadence are on the menu in this 'circus show for adults' from Australia.
Rouge, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Sat 3–Sat 24 Aug (not 7, 14, 21), various times.

Staged
Three performers balance on an aerial platform, the taut wires threatening their balance with each twist and turn, in this surprising new show from Circumference.
Staged, ZOO Southside, Tue 13–Sat 25 Aug, 7pm.

Super Sunday
Finnish circus troupe Race Horse Company climb onboard the 'wheel of death' and teeterboard to create human catapults, in this acrobatic show laced with black humour.
Super Sunday, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Fri 2–Sat 24 Aug (not 7, 12, 19), 9pm.

Tarot
Feathers of Daedalus Circus deliver a live audience tarot reading, then go wherever the cards take them in this mix of circus, live music and improvisation.
Tarot, Assembly Rooms, Thu 1–Sat 24 Aug (not 8, 19), 11.10pm.

YUCK Circus
This multiple award-winning, all-female Australian troupe faces discomfort head on, using humour to entertain us and acrobatic skills to wow us.
YUCK Circus, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, Sat 3–Sat 24 Aug (not 7, 12, 19), 4pm.