Idil Sukan behind the scenes at the Pleasance – in pictures

Ruby Wax writes and stars in Losing It, a comic monologue about mental health at the Udderbelly, co-starring Judith Owen. Here she is in the theatre's new private members' bar, Abattoir Photograph: Idil Sukan

Part of the Booking dance festival, high-energy troupe Rhythmic Circus tap shoes, mid-leap Photograph: Idil Sukan

Also at the Booking dance festival, Heather Gehring and Lou Brock show off their beautiful, quirky ballroom dancing Photograph: Idil Sukan

Martin White and Danielle Ward came up with the cult night Karaoke Circus, where top comedians and members of the public sing with a live band. White conducts in the manner of a delighted librarian. Here he tinkles the ivories while Foz Foster plays a mean lead guitar Photograph: Idil Sukan

The wonderful Phill Jupitus storms Karaoke Circus with the Divine Comedy's National Express Photograph: Idil Sukan

One of my favourite comedians Isy Suttie in her element, doing a very funny (and pitch-perfect) rendition of I Think We're Alone Now at Karaoke Circus Photograph: Idil Sukan

Art Malik stars in the critically acclaimed Rose by Hywel John, with his daughter Keira. I took this shot in Arthur's Bar, just after the performance Photograph: Idil Sukan

The Wrestling, at the Pleasance Grand, was arguably the biggest night of the Edinburgh festival. Here I am, ringside and sweat-splatteringly close to the action, as Timm (Tango) Wylie gets Mark Haskins (The Star Attraction) locked in the ropes Photograph: Idil Sukan

It's just before show time, and quietly unassuming comedian and writer Max Olesker briefs the troops (along with co-conspirator Ivan Gonzalez, the other genius behind The Wrestling; not pictured) Photograph: Idil Sukan

Andrew Maxwell is nominated again for the main comedy award at this year's festival, and deservedly so Photograph: Idil Sukan

Word-of-mouth recommendations spread like wildfire in Edinburgh. Consequently, night after night, a mob of music lovers clamour to get past the Ace Dome doors to hear Gregory Charles tear the roof off. Name any song in the history of music and he'll play it, his phenomenal band improvising along with him. Apparently he hasn't been caught out once Photograph: Idil Sukan