Photographer Idil Sukan: behind the scenes at the Edinburgh fringe

John Malkovich lights up after a preview of his new show, A Celebration of Harold Pinter Photograph: Idil Sukan

John Malkovich and Julian Sands have a drink after the preview of A Celebration of Harold Pinter. Sands stars in the show, Malkovich directs Photograph: Idil Sukan

Simon Munnery is one of the alternative comedy scene's great heroes. This portrait was taken on the Meadows, Edinburgh, where Munnery runs a food-less restaurant, La Concepta Photograph: Idil Sukan

Close-up of Julian Sands in rehearsal just before his show at the Pleasance Courtyard Photograph: Idil Sukan

Beattie Edmondson is one-fifth of acclaimed Edinburgh sketch troupe Lady Garden, who are performing at the Pleasance Photograph: Idil Sukan

The award-winning Aindrias de Staic performs his show Around the World on 80 Quid about a musical backpacker who travels the globe Photograph: Idil Sukan

Adam Riches is one of the Edinburgh festival's best-kept secrets. One of the best character comics around, he gets staggeringly good reviews and packed audiences Photograph: Idil Sukan

Nadia Kamil on stage. She is part of cult sketch team The Behemoth with John-Luke Roberts. Kamil is also a regular at the Alternative Comedy Memorial Society nights in London, which has an exclusive three-night run at the Edinburgh festival Photograph: Idil Sukan

Steven Berkoff introduces his new show Oedipus at the Pleasance theatre press launch Photograph: Idil Sukan

Oedipus is played by Simon Merrells at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh this year. Merrells is reunited with director Steven Berkoff in a hugely energetic reworking of the classic Photograph: Idil Sukan

A rising star on the comedy circuit, Nick Helm is more crazed rock star than polite observational comedian. After his underground hit show last year his new show, Dare to Dream, is also getting rave reviews Photograph: Idil Sukan

Thom Tuck, of acclaimed sketch troupe Penny Dreadfuls, debuts as a solo comic this year with his tale of heartbreak and Disney sequels – Thom Tuck goes Straight to DVD. Simba, of course, joins him on stage Photograph: Idil Sukan