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.

Alfie Packham: My Apologies to the Chef

Voilà. Alfie serves up another helping of Fringe. This one's about friends and enemies. Bon appétit. As seen on the BBC New Comedy Awards 2024. Writer for News Quiz (BBC Radio 4). 'Effortless... a joy to sit through' (ThreeWeeks). ‘Sharply observed standup’ (Scotsman). ‘Thought-provoking and hilarious’ (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk)


Becky Umbers – Put That Cat Back in the Bag

In her debut hour, award-winning NZ comedian dives into the delicate art of keeping a cat (your inner weirdo) hidden in a bag. A joyous hour of unique storytelling and observations told with the voice of a kids cartoon and cheeky wit of an adult comedian. Winner Best Debut NZ International Comedy Festival 2019. Best Female Comedian NZCG Awards nominee, 2022. Hoots Fringe Act of the Year finalist, Edinburgh 2023. 'Full of zest and energy' **** (One4Review.co.uk). 'Becky quite knocks me over' (Theatrereview.org.nz). 'Had us in stitches' (Rat World Magazine).

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.