International Comedy Edinburgh Previews 2026

International Comedy Edinburgh Previews 2026

Tickets available

About the show

Every year we present a selection of the top shows warming up before heading North to the Edinburgh Festival. Your ticket entitles you to see both full shows for less than the price of one in Edinburgh.
NOTE EARLIER START TIMES and any CHANGES to advertised running order.
1st show starts 8pm, 2nd show starts 9.15pm.
Check www.downstairsatthekingshead.com for details of who's on tonight.


FLO & JOAN & WIP (P subject to availability, terms and conditions apply)


Musical comedians Flo & Joan have taken another band’s setlist and are using it to write their own show. This is their first attempt.


“Gosh, they are almost like a real band” (Bruce Dessau, Beyond a Joke). The pair will try and take up as much of the stage and as little of your patience as possible as they use another "real band's" setlist to write their own show - ruminating on themes such as ‘what is music?’, ‘how do you be a band?’, and ‘is comedy?’ in the sharp-tongued, deadpan way they have become accustomed to.


As seen on Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, Comic Relief's Red Nose Day Live 2023 and their own comedy special 'Alive on Stage' for Amazon Prime.


ROBIN INCE


Info to come. It’ll be the usual Robin Ince stuff. You know what to expect.


Important Notes:
Bills may alter at late notice - check on www.downstairsatthekingshead.com for any last-minute changes.
There is no reserved seating Downstairs. We can seat 70 and have 10 standing spaces. Your ticket guarantees entry, but if you want a good seat, please be with us by the advertised door opening time.
Please bring evidence of booking (i.e; your confirmation email). On phone is fine - save trees!
You can book tickets up to 6pm on the day of the show. After then, any remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come first-served basis on the door at the advertised “doors open” time.
Also please note that, as an intimate venue, we discourage large group bookings, so tickets are limited on this show to a MAXIMUM of 4 per person.
We want everyone to enjoy the show. Please don’t talk during the performance and ensure your mobile phone is turned off. You will be required to leave without refund if your behaviour is disruptive. No recording in any medium is allowed without prior permission.
Intoxicated persons will not be admitted.
The use of E cigarettes is prohibited
Note we do not allow food downstairs. If you are planning on eating upstairs before the show, please allow plenty of time to finish before coming downstairs.

Featuring

Phil Nichol

Phil Nichol appearing at this event
Phil Nichol is a truly unique performer. An acclaimed actor, award winning comedian, producer, presenter, writer and musician, there is no end to his talent! His skill as an improviser whether it be musical, comedy or straight is unparalleled. WINNER - Scotsman Fringe First Award 2011 WINNER - IF.COM Eddie Award 2006 (previously The Perrier, now known as the Edinburgh Comedy Award) WINNER - Time Out Best Comedy Performer 1998 Chortle Best Headliner - Nominee - 2002, 2006 & 2010 As seen on The Graham Norton Show, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Altitude Festival , Annually Retentive, The World Stands Up, Comedy Shuffle, and many more. 'Nichol is absolutely born to perform, and the show is brilliant' (The Skinny) 'Attacks his material with all the restraint of a Tasmanian Devil in a foghorn factory' (The Times) 'Phil Nichol is an extraordinary performer – entrancing and alarming in equal measure' (The Stage) 'Very polished, witty and insightful. It is also extremely funny' (List) 'Seismically powerful award-winning comic force' (The Scotsman).

See Phil Nichol tour dates

Alan Francis

Alan Francis appearing at this event
Award-winning comedian and writer. He is a co-writer on Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, and a former winner of Channel 4's So You Think You're Funny competition. A master of acutely observed character monologues, combining the sinister and surreal with brilliant sardonic wit. 'A delightfully sour hour, excellently executed' (Evening Standard) 'Sinister and surreal comic creations this side of The League of Gentlemen' (The Sunday Herald).

See Alan Francis tour dates

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on Tuesday 9 June 2026