Daniel Kitson

As usual comedy’s most gifted performer did things his own way this year, announcing these midnight stand-up shows after the Fringe brochure was printed. Advance tickets still sold out immediately, but 40 are available each day. The ultimate must-see gig.

The Stand, Aug 3 - 24, not Fris & Sats (0131 558 7272, thestand.co.uk)

Jeremy Paxman

Is the grumpy ex-Newsnight inquisitor considering a career in clowning? He makes his debut on the Fringe with these intimate shows in which he talks about “pants and the human condition” and gives others a chance to ask him questions for a change in a Q&A. Let’s see how he likes being grilled.

The Pleasance Courtyard, Aug 18 - 25 (0131 556 6550, pleasance.co.uk)

Bridget Christie 

The eagerly anticipated sequel to last year’s A Bic For Her, which bagged Christie a prestigious Foster’s Award prize. She continues to mix of playful humour and politics in An Ungrateful Woman, looking at her attempt to be cast in a yoghurt commercial and reflecting on Michael Gove's career.

The Stand, Aug 2 - 25 (0131 558 7272, thestand.co.uk)

Jack Dee’s Help Desk

Nightly sessions with the gloomy curmudgeon taking on the role of unlikely agony uncle aided by a panel of surprise celebrity chums. Bring you problems to Dee and you never know, he might solve them, though he is more likely to respond with a brilliant withering put-down.

Assembly George Square, Aug 18 - 25 (0131 623 3030, assemblyfestival.com)

James Acaster

Geeky Fringe favourite who has been nominated for the Foster’s Award two years in a row. This time round Acaster’s quirky, precision-tooled patter homes on in conga lines, seaside photography and useful tips when visiting coffee shops. Could it be third time lucky?

The Pleasance Courtyard, July 30 - Aug 24  (0131 556 6550, pleasance.co.uk)

Luisa Omielan

Pocket dynamo Omielan made her name with her empowering What Would Beyonce Do? show in which she compared her messy relationship history to the singer’s perfect life choices. The eagerly awaited sequel, Am I Right Ladies? is part-comedy, part-party, so be prepared to dance. Best of all, it’s a free gig. 

Counting House, Aug 1 - 24 (0131 667 7533, freefestival.co.uk)

Kim Noble

Controversial multi-media performance artist Noble premieres his new work, You Are Not Alone, in which he charts his various attempts to connect with people. Noble’s last Edinburgh show ended with the audience taken to a deserted flat at 2am for one-to-one confessions. Never dull, often disturbingly funny.

The Traverse Theatre, Aug 20 - 24 (0131 228 1404, traverse.co.uk)

Toby

Sisters Sarah and Lizzie Daykin present an intriguing set that mixes sketch comedy with a pithy portrayal of sibling rivalry. The humour is weird but wonderfully surreal, involving quickfire costume changes, knockabout gags and strange songs..

The Pleasance Courtyard, July 30 - Aug 25 (0131 556 6550, pleasance.co.uk)

Mark Watson’s Comedywealth Games

While the serious athletics takes place elsewhere in Scotland, serial innovator Mark Watson presents his version, hosting a nightly  selection of unlikely sports attempted by his comedy chums that you won’t see in Glasgow, such as Admin Pentathlon and Fruit-throwing. Warning, may contain juice spillage 

The Pleasance Courtyard, Aug 7 - 16 (0131 556 6550, pleasance.co.uk)