Heavy rain did not prevent a rise in box office takings last year

Subjects under scrutiny include the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The widespread use of political themes demonstrates the fringe never ignores the real world but tackles it head on," said festival director Paul Gudgin.

There are almost 800 shows in this year's festival, which runs from 7 to 29 August in the Scottish capital.

Among the productions heading for the city are My Pyramids, inspired by Lynndie England - the US private jailed for her part in the Abu Ghraib abuse scandal.

Glasgow's Arches Theatre Company plan to bring the issue of terrorism home to Scotland in Snuff, while Manifest Destiny bills itself as "an al-Qaeda love story".

Showcase

Terrorist: The Musical looks at how militants might make their living once the War on Terror is over.

This year's festival - the 59th - will see 26,895 performances in almost 300 venues.

Performances will take place in almost 300 venues

An estimated 16,190 performers will be in town in what is traditionally seen as one of the world's most important showcases for live theatre and comedy.

The Fringe office estimates it would take five years, three months and 25 days to see every show on offer.

Among the celebrities lined up to appear include artist and TV presenter Rolf Harris, former Bullseye host Jim Bowen and Richard Pryor's stand-up comedian daughter Rain.

Franz Ferdinand, Basement Jaxx and the Prodigy are among the music acts who will be performing at the event.