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.

8pm Phil Nichol: Aren’t We Lucky

First brand new show in 7 years. Lou Reed. The Lottery. Ecstasy. Crisps. Prince Andrew. Sunshine. Punk. Terry Jones. Leukaemia. Butterflies. Chance. Dizzy Gillespie's Cheeks. Wasps. Double helix. Dennis Hopper. Scrotums. Life. ***** Scotsman

‘Aren’t We Lucky’ is a dynamic, wonderfully heart-warming story exploring chance, love, magic, and loss. Through the deeply personal yet funny story of his friend Kevin Hearn’s battle with leukemia, and the extraordinary chain of events that followed, Phil reflects on regret, good fortune, and the simple, visceral act of appreciating what we have right here, right now.
The ever-present magic of reality fuels this show, as Phil shares high-octane, hilarious and unforgettable stories: growing up in the Brethren Assembly, moving from Glasgow to Toronto, becoming a world-renowned comedian, and witnessing his parents fall in love again in their nineties. From conspiracy theories to Lou Reed, from World War II to old-age pensioners, and even the now-banned Swedish word “ogooglebar,” no subject is off-limits. These rib-tickling threads collide with bigger questions about why we’re here—and how to make the most of it.
Ever randomly met a woman on her way home after visiting her murderer boyfriend in prison, while her husband remains oblivious back in Norwich? Phil has. Lucky. Ever struck up a conversation on the Tube with an elderly man who crewed one of only five tanks to land in France on D-Day and survive the entire war? Phil has. Lucky. Ever tried to make Anne Robinson laugh on The Weakest Link by getting naked after being voted off in the final rounds? Phil has. Lucky.
Why do we play the lottery? Life itself is a lottery—and you’re already winning.
What the press says

“…beautifully crafted…a show that makes you laugh and think while you are watching, and then wakes you up in the night to laugh and think again.” THE SCOTSMAN *****

“…the sheer energy he exudes in the forceful, sweat-drenched performance pumps life into any audience.” CHORTLE ****

“.. not just comedy but soul-quenching storytelling at its finest.”
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL MAG *****


9.15pm ALAN FRANCIS – HARDWIRED
When H. G. Wells wrote The Shape of Things to Come, did he imagine the shape we have become? Well this out-of-shape comedian wants to know. Can we come together and explore the stars? Or do we just order another pizza? Alan Francis asks what happened to the bright future science was supposed to bring. And is there any room left for our humanity?
“A brilliant Observational Stand-Up” ****
The Scotsman
Brazen, dark and clever…. ****

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.