International Comedy Edinburgh Previews 2026

About the show

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 Josh Weller:

Recently hand picked by Fred Armisen to be his opener, Josh Weller is a failed musician turned comedian, viral content maker, comic book
author and podcast host. He was born in England, raised in Malaysia and now lives in London.
As seen on ITV2 Stand Up Sketch Show, Weller’s high energy brand of cleverly self-deprecating stand-up landed him on pro bills after just
one year on the circuit. In addition to his live comedy work, Josh has developed a loyal fanbase for his viral musical videos and online content, with views in the millions which includes mockumentaries, sketches, professional trolling, animated stand-up comedy shorts, character work, and more. His 2020 mockumentary ‘The U2 Taken Paradox’ has had over a million views and angered legions of loyal U2 fans.
His musical parody videos also have views in the millions on TikTok and Instagram.

9.15pm Patrick Monaghan

I’M NOT A TERRORIST, I’M FREDDIE MERCURY
Since coming to England from Iran in 1980, if I had a £1 for every time someone called me a terrorist, I’d have enough money to run my own terrorist organisation.
I’ve more in common with Freddie Mercury than Hezbollah.
I’ve had visas turned down, extra checks & restricted access.
I’ve 60 minutes to prove I’m not a terrorist.

“His kind of funny is an irresistible force” Scotsman
“Patrick Monahan is clever, very funny and hugely likeable” Scottish Field
“has his audiences in stitches from the off.” One4review ‘4.5 stars’ 2025

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.