International Comedy Edinburgh Previews 2025

Event information

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.

Paul McCaffrey: What a Time to Be Alive
A new hour from one of the funniest comics working in the UK today. Modern life is annoying but was it really much better before? McCaffrey asks in this warm, charming hour of comedy. Only at the Fringe for one week so don’t miss out! As seen on Live at the Apollo, Impractical Jokers and Russell Howard's Good News. Co-host of What’s Upset You Now? podcast. Tour support for Kevin Bridges and Sean Lock. 'Born to be a comic' (Scotsman). 'A total natural… gut-bustlingly hilarious' (GQ). 'Simply has funny bones' (ShortList.com).

David Ward Is Not Who He Says He Is
David Ward has been called "one of the nicest men in comedy." And sure, he tries to live up to it. But life isn’t that simple, is it? Behind the jokes, the warmth, and the dad-level politeness, there’s another side—a darker, messier, more complicated side.
In this unflinching and funny show, David lifts the curtain on himself, revealing the good, the bad, and the downright cringeworthy moments that make him who he is. He’ll explore the masks we wear, the truths we twist, and the stories we tell to make life easier—or harder and the all-too-human need to be liked.
Expect laughter, honesty, and a few eyebrow-raising revelations. Because no one is exactly who they seem. Not even David Ward.

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.