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.

Ivo Graham: Work in Progress
More frenetic life updates from the critically acclaimed anecdotalist/prank victim. Last (but first in fun) on Taskmaster, slagged off tiramisu on Saturday Kitchen, almost certainly doing stand-up comedy for life by this point. Previously nominated for ‘Best Show’ at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019, and as seen/heard on Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Fighting Talk, and Quickly Kevin: The Steffa Barnsa Tapes.
‘Has star in the making coming off him like steam’ ★★★★ - Telegraph
'A hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy' ★★★★ - Times

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Work in Progress
An airing of brand new material by the most powerfully wistful comedian in Scotland. Co-host of the podcast Here Comes the Guillotine with Frankie Boyle and Susie McCabe. As seen on his 800 Pound Gorilla Media stand-up special “Oh No”, BBC Two’s New World Order, BBC Scotland’s Up For It, and Comedy Central Live. #1 Streamer on Twitch of the Playstation 3 video game adaptation of Disney’s Ratatouille (2007).

“Like all the best comics, he exudes the pally intimacy of a (devilishly witty) best mate.” (Rolling Stone)

“A delightfully funny guy and a real treat of a show. This is 100 per cent a name to watch.” ★★★★ (Entertainment Now)

“Scotland is producing some compelling young comics right now, with CMB chief among them” ★★★★ (Chortle)

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.