Top Picks: Theatre

Masterclass
Pleasance Dome, 3-28 Aug (not 10, 15, 22), 5:40pm

Adrienne Truscott parodies the "great male artist" in this absurd masterclass, also starring Brokentalkers' Feidlim Cannon. In their use of the arts world as a metaphor, the pair savagely interrogate themes of gender, privilege and power. 

Exodus
Traverse Theatre, 6-28 Aug (not 8, 15, 22), times vary

Uma Nada-Rajah’s new play Exodus is a dark, surreal comedy that takes aim at systems of power. The narrative follows Home Secretary Asiya Rao and her indifference to human suffering, as she bids to become the country’s next leader.

Silkworm
Assembly Roxy, 3-29 Aug (not 10, 17, 24), 6:50pm

Written by Vlad Butucea, Silkworm is the story of two young women living in a Glasgow tower block, seeking asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation. As they wait to hear the result of their case, we're immersed in their navigation of this brutal system.

Feeling Afraid as If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen
ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall, 3-28 Aug (not 4, 9, 16, 23), 7pm

Samuel Barnett plays a deeply flawed and professionally neurotic stand-up in his Fringe debut. This darkly humorous play from Francesca Moody Productions examines vulnerability, intimacy, ego and truth. 

Self Service
theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, 5-27 Aug (not 14, 21), 7:15pm

Described as a "(meta)physical dive into how to keep going", Self Service sees the award-winning Anne Rabbitt emerge from the invisible role of Mother to find herself still invisible inside the skin of Middle-aged Woman.

Far Gone
ZOO Southside, 5-11 & 15-20 Aug, 5:40pm

A moving story which follows Okumu's journey from childhood innocence to child soldier in Northern Uganda. This one-man performance is told powerfully through love and betrayal.

Runaway Princess: A Hopeful Tale of Heroin, Hooking and Happiness
Greenside @ Infirmary Street, 5-27 Aug (not 14, 21), 2:55pm

Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the story of her trauma, addiction and prostitution in this moving one-woman show. Expect humour and unflinching honesty as we follow her from darkness to joy.

Love Them to Death
Underbelly, Cowgate, 4-28 Aug (not 15), 3:30pm

Inspired by real events, Love Them to Death follows a mother who continually pulls her ill son out of school. But everything is not as it seems in this story which explores Fabricated and Induced illness (previously known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy). 

Hamlet with Ian McKellen
Ashton Hall, Saint Stephens Stockbridge, 2-28 Aug (not 8, 15, 22), times vary

Veteran actor Ian McKellen prepares to take on the role of Hamlet once more, collaborating with Peter Schaufuss in this new production of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Jack Docherty: Nothing But
Gilded Balloon at the Museum, 3-19 Aug, 8pm

The BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad and Absolutely brings this playful and darkly comic story of a one-night stand from 30 years ago to the Fringe. Expect explorations of lost youth, love, secrets and more.