16 best musicals, cabaret, drag and music acts at Edinburgh Festival

The festival this year is its usual glorious mixed bag of music and musicals, cabaret and drag — here’s a selection of some of the best shows in town. Unless stated, book at edfringe.com.

This is a contemporary street musical conceived by Levi Roots (yes, he of Reggae Reggae Sauce fame). It focuses on two star-crossed lovers in a world where two warring sound systems, the Eagles and the Thunders, fight for power. Expect dance-offs, lyrical battles and some familiar music that’ll get you in the sternum. It’s written by the award-winning novelist and playwright Alex Wheatle and produced by Thriller Live’s Adrian Grant.
Details Pleasance; 4.10pm, Aug 4-28 (not 8, 21), previews Aug 2-3, £18, two-for-one Aug 7

Based on the cult novel