Top Ten Fringe Shows to See on Friday the 13th

1. Start your day with Mind-Reading for Breakfast

“Psychic” psychologist Rob Bailey’s show promises early morning mind-reading, clairvoyance and even levitation. Why not tackle some telepathy whilst enjoying your free breakfast? There’s no need to come in full Mystic Meg garb though, as Bailey is also offering a prize for the best pyjamas. Sweet Grassmarket, 10.35.

2. Burn off your breakfast with The Royal Mile History and Legends

Combine exercise and education in a free walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Your tour guide, dressed in period costume, will take you on a journey round the hidden historical back alleys of the city. Outside St Giles Cathedral, 12.30 & 14.30.

3. Suspend your disbelief with Joe Power – The Man Who Sees Dead People

The centre of a recent line-up controversy, Joe Power’s psychic show has divided opinion. Heckled by skeptics, yet found to be strangely accurate by others, it’s worth checking out the man who claims to have raised the voice of John Lennon from the dead. Assembly @ Assembly Hall, 16.00.

4. Be thrilled by The Call of Cthulhu

Based on a classic story by HP Lovecraft, The Call of Cthulhu is a real psychological drama. Plunging into the recesses of the human mind, this is set to be a chilling examination of the human condition. Hill Street Theatre, 13.30 & 19.30.

5. “Brain destruction guaranteed” with How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse: Reloaded

Back again after last year’s sell-out show, the Zombie team invite you not only to learn how to withstand a zombie attack, but to see if you can. Zoo Southside, 19.45.

6. Unwittingly unleash Plague! The Musical

Taking audiences back to 1665, this is the second time the outrageous and over the top musical has been to Edinburgh. Promising to be “slicker, funnier and deadlier than ever before”, it could be infectious. C, 20.30.

7. Prepare to be spooked by A Pint for the Ghost

Sit back and listen to the haunting tales of a South Yorkshire legend. Get ready to meet a medley of miserly characters as part of this live literature event. The Banshee Labyrinth, 21.50.

8. Tackle taboos watching Stitching

When Scottish writer Anthony Neilson‘s play was first performed at the Fringe in 2002 it caused uproar, tackling themes of self mutilation, sexual perversions and abuse. Critics have gone as far as to brand the play “sick” and it was banned by theatrical censors in Malta. C, 21.55

9. “A Friday the 13th never to forget” from Barry and Stuart – 98% Seance

Described by Derren Brown as “the most consistently exciting force in British magic”, Barry and Stuart provide a winning blend of comedy and magic. Nominated for a Scottish BAFTA, these magicians are sure to conjure up some specially supernatural antics. Underbelly, Cowgate, 22.20.

10. Not for the faint hearted: Shrink: The Outrageous Hypnotist

Experience hypnotism and mind-reading with Shrink’s “late night lunacy”. Shrink is an old hand on the psychic scene and this revival of his mesmeric show will shock and startle. With a very late start, you might want to leave the light on when you go to bed. HMV Picture House, 23.55.

– Helena Rampley