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.

Ali Woods
Join Ali Woods, star of Comedy Central and Stand Up Sketch Show to work on his brand-new show.
Known for his viral online sketches (@aliwoodsgigs) with millions of views, Ali Woods has supported comedy greats like Russell Kane, Axel Blake, and Adam Kay. With his unique blend of sharp wit and relatable humour, his performances are a must-see. 'Ali Woods is a simply brilliant storyteller' ***** (Everything-Theatre.co.uk). 'Thoroughly entertaining' **** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine). 'Hilarious' **** (Entertainment-Now.com).


Philip Simon
Shall I Compere Thee in a Funny Way?
He’s “one of those comics who’s done well out of crowdwork videos online” (Chortle), so join award-winning comedian Philip Simon (@PhilipsComedy) for a hilarious mix of jokes & spontaneous chat in the only show where the audience is in control. You choose the topics, the wheels decides the order. Winner of the 2023 Pegasus Comedy Best Compere award, Jewish Comedian of the Year 2015. Writer for Mock the Week & NewsJack. His brilliant one-liners (I saw a squirrel with man boobs, though thinking about it they may have been chest nuts!) & interactions (hello!) will keep you entertained throughout.

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.