Guys as dolls: Five of the best '˜drag' shows at this year's Fringe

THEY may be the best known for their glamorous cross-dressing but it's not just the Ladyboys of Bangkok who jump at the chance to don a frock and head to the Fringe.From female impersonators, to panto dames and good old-fashioned drag acts, here are our Top Five Fringe shows featuring guys as dolls.

SLIPSTICK

With 30 years of experience under his diamante-studded belt, Argentinian-Spanish mime artist Martin Kent returns with a combination of slapstick and spectacular over-the-top impersonations - meet a ballerina with many legs and a living Mona Lisa.

Kent is one of Benidorm’s best loved drag-acts, boasting millions of holiday makers as fans.

Venue C, Adam House, Chambers Street, until 27 August (not 8,15,22), 8.30pm, £10.50-£12.50, 0131-581 5555

DIETRICH: NATURAL DUTY

Peter Groom is Dietrich in intoxicating cabaret. On the battlefields of North Africa, in 1942, in a gold sequin gown, Dietrich joins the fight with an irresistible mix of songs, sex and sympathy.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 27 August (not 13), 3.30pm, £11-£12, 0131-226 0000

THE DAME

Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan plays a seasoned pantomime dame in this enchanting, bitter-sweet tale in which past and present collide.

Dome, George Street, tomorrow- 25 August, (not 13, 20), 8pm, £12, 0131-226 0000

ICONIC: A BRIEF HISTORY OF DRAG

Join Velma and her voluptuous band for an electrifying cabaret featuring the music of Queen, Bowie, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner and more.

Assembly Checkpoint, Bristo Place, until 26 August (not 8, 14), 9.30pm, 0131-226 0000

LATE NIGHT LIP SERVICE

HOST Gingzilla, a 7ft tall bearded drag queen, introduces the Fringe’s wildest acts.

Gilded Balloon, Rose Street, 10-25 August (not 12,19-23, 24-25), midnight, £12.50, 0131-226 0000