Pick of the Fringe: shows you must see

Written by Helen Fowler

With more than 2,000 shows in this year's Fringe, it can be hard to know where to start. After sampling a few previews, we have a couple of recommendations for different times of day.

Kid's shows Twinkle Twonkle Tall Stories is the theatre company that brought us much-loved stage adaptations of The Gruffalo and last year's Room on the Broom. They don't disappoint with this year's new offering - a quirky story about Stella and her brother Ryan. Stella loves looking at the stars through her telescope. There's just one problem a medium-sized bear has appeared in the night sky. Fun ensues when Ryan wishes on a star before climbing up through Stella's telescope to embark on a musical adventure in outer space.

Kids will love seeing Pegasus the flying horse, meeting the man on the moon, watching a cow jump over the moon and hearing the Russian accent of Little Bear. A magical afternoon - for parents as well as offspring. Twinkle Twonkle, Tall Stories, Pleasance Dome, Potterow Student Union, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL Runs 5th - 3th0 August, at 2pm. Tel 0131 556 6550 Evening show Experimentalista.

If you get the chance, go and see local musician Susanna Macdonald starring in cabaret show Experimentalista! at the Sweet Grassmarket venue. Susanna's music is by turns beguiling, poignant and uplifting and the show is a musical rollercoaster that had its audience entranced.

If you've come to Edinburgh in search of new talent, this is a show to see, as you won't find Susanna on the well-worn London circuit, with her being a local lass. Susanna is fast gaining a reputation for exciting, innovative work. Earlier this year she released her debut album, A Few Misconceptions, and this is her first Fringe show. Her songs reflect her Scottish roots, with hilarious musings on her native city. Her parody of Eurovision music will have tears of laughter rolling down your face. The show has a convenient 8.50pm time slot, trendy bar on the premises and is already selling out. Experimentalista! Sweet Grassmarket, Apex City Hotel, 61 Grassmarket, EH1 2JF. Runs 5th - 29th August at 8.50pm. Tel 0131 243 3596