Su Mi: Banana Beard at BlundaGardens'invites you on a surreal misadventure of absurdist sketch, untamed thrash metal guitar solos and imaginary costumed personas'. At Central Hall, The Yassification of Jesse James by the Coward Samantha Clementine combines 'cowboys, karate, a Time Lord, ridiculous slang, and biting social commentary'. And 'our once hot-bodied men in kilts, now warm-bodied Men in Quilts, navigate the challenges of getting older, not necessarily wiser' at Boteco do Brasil. Disability-led theatre company FlawBored present It's a Motherf**king Pleasure at Underbelly, 'a scathing satire on the monetisation of identity politics that spares no one'. Expecting by c21 Theatre Company is at Deaf Action, and 'explores experiences unique to d/Deaf and hearing couples'. Singing in both French and English, Christine Bovill honours Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg, Francoise Hardy and more' in Paris: From Piaf to Pop at Loretto School Theatre. In Poesie Geht Ohne Schuh (Poetry Walks Without Shoes), 'poems of Rilke, Eichendorff and more are set to music and performed by Christoph Hilger and Janet de Vigne' at Old Saint Paul's Church.

This year's Fringe takes place from 04 –28 August 2023 and will feature an exciting range of shows, with theatre, comedy, music, dance, circus, musicals, variety, cabaret, children's shows, events and more all represented in the programme. John Hegley's The Early Word at Summerhall'includes the anxiety of a slug and the four simple rules of Mister Galimore for marking your neighbour's French vocabulary test'. Jeremy Segway: A Life Out of Balance is a show 'dedicated to Mr Segway, the man who invented the Segway, all performed entirely on Segways'–it's at Bedlam Theatre. Fringe audiences can 'experience the passionate and mesmerising Flamenco Guitar Odyssey by Philip Adie' at Alba Flamenca. Flamencodanza at C venues is an 'inspired, powerful and elegant show of Flamenco dance and guitar presented by Aylin Bayaz, Raul Mannola'. And the 'award-winning Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company presents their long-awaited second album and production' Andalucia at YOTEL Edinburgh.Funalicious master magician Alex' presents Abracadabra With An Apple Magic Show at PBH's Free Fringe, 'a children's magic show filled with excitement, fun, laughs and stories that entangle together in one awe-inspiring performance'. Mario the Maker Magician leads audiences 'through a romping explosion of contagious energy and belly laughs' at Underbelly. And 'one of Scotland's favourite magicians, Tim Licata astounds audiences with delightful deception' at Saturday Morning Magic ( Scottish Arts Club). Musicals and opera The Slightly Annoying Elephant is playing at the Gilded Balloon Teviot Debating Hall until the 27th of August. With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe just around the corner, we take a look at some of the top shows not to miss From classic close-up to parlour prestidigitation, Tim Licata brings his brand of delightful deception to the Scottish Arts Club' in Close-Up and Personal. Meanwhile, at PBH's Free Fringe, magician and comedian Chris Cook Asked a Robot to Write Him a Five-Star Show and This Is What It Said. Registered in England and Wales No: 1681278. Registered office 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.

Children at Broadford Primary have recorded their own retelling of the story. Could you make your own? What’s big, blue, bossy and turns up uninvited? The Slightly Annoying Elephant, of course! Based on David Walliams' hit novel, this funny children’s story is brought to life by London’s award-winning home of puppetry, Little Angel Theatre and sure to enchant kids and adults alike. Laugh along as Sam’s life is turned upside down after adopting an elephant at the zoo as the hungry, antique-loving, cycling enthusiast creature comes to live with him. Suitable for families and children aged 3+, join this heartwarming tale as The Slightly Annoying Elephant stomps their way to the Edinburgh Fringe. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland present two shows at Assembly: Big Fish is 'based on Daniel Wallace's novel and Tim Burton's movie', while Edges is 'a contemporary song-cycle which explores universal issues in a charming, honest way, asking –who am I and what will I become?' Over at George Watson's College there are two musical adaptations: 1920s gangster comedy Bugsy Malone and classic horror spoof Young Frankenstein. Not ALL elephants are Slightly Annoying! Read these 10 fun facts to find out why elephants are AMAZING! Gilded Balloon and Little Angel Theatre present The Slightly Annoying Elephant, a production 'based on David Walliams's hilarious book', while James and the Giant Peach at Greenside is 'a fabulous retelling of Roald Dahl's classic peachy tale'.

Available to watch online, A Snake in the House Means the Family Will Never Want is 'an immersive performance of live electronica, dance and sculptural costuming, on intergenerational healing and transformational futures'. Also online, Eat Me is 'a story of two women who use the dark web to find one another and together commit an act of "consensual" cannibalism'. Children's shows A ballroom phenomenon with fab-u-lous dance routines to suit the whole family, Strictly Barking is a high-energy comedy following a lonely old man and a homeless dog whose friendship leads them to enter a ballroom dancing competition. Each performance combines clowning, non-verbal storytelling, and audience interaction for all. Strictly Come Dancing meets Wallace and Gromit, this is a must-see family show. It’s rare that an illustrated book is brought so vividly to the stage… For little ones who may be overwhelmed by the noise and villains of a pantomime, this is a fantastical introduction to theatre.”– Quays Life

The story is short, yet it is not short on humour, and with the amount of cross curricular activities you can do from this short story. Geography activities on the story could investigate where elephants live, and the countries he crossed on his route to Sam’s house. The literacy links could include story writing focusing on the elephant’s thoughts or feelings. Or a letter of complaint to the zoo for the misunderstanding Sam has found himself in. For a drama activity children can act out conversations between Sam and his mother. Art activities could include showing different variations of elephants or pictures representing the activities the elephant does. A wholesome musical performance… The beautifully constructed elephant puppet [was] both spectacular and practical.”– Mancunion

Elephants are nosier than ANY other animals- Their trunks can weigh 400 pounds and can grow to be 7 feet long giving them the biggest noses in the world