The newest and edgiest of the major venue chains, Underbelly is the Fringe's teenage son - rebellious, unkempt, and just a little gawky. There's a thrown-together feel to its spray-painted signs, and shabby-chic charm abounds in its ramshackle main venue. But don't be fooled: in just eight years, Underbelly's raced from a standing start to become one of the best-known brands on the Fringe.

Underbelly runs three venues, clustered in Edinburgh's Old Town. The main space, also called the Underbelly, sets up shop in warren of cellars underneath the city's library - while its sister Baby Belly pulls the same trick in some vaults a short way east. In contrast to these secret subterranean spaces, the Udderbelly is the most visible landmark on the Fringe: a custom-built, bright purple cow, which grazes annually at Bristo Square.

The venue's rough-around-the-edges vibe extends to the programme too. Comedy and tragedy, high arts and vaudeville, big names and struggling hopefuls all find a home here. It's a heady mix for the young at heart, but beware - in Underbelly's cavernous performance spaces roost its fair share of turkeys.

Venues in the Underbelly chain