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.

ANDREW BIRD

Back with a brand-new show Andrew has just supported Russell Howard on his current national tour including four straight shows at The London Palladium. He has also recently supported Rhod Gilbert and Troy Hawke and at The UK Comedy Awards 2023 was voted Comic’s Comic-Best Act.
Andrew is always worried or stressed about something. From global events to finding free parking. From a wife hitting the perimenopause combined with two teenage kids, to hanging a wine-rack. How can he not be “on edge”?
Having previously supported Russell at Bristol's Ashton Gate Football stadium he’s also supported Rob Brydon, America’s Brian Regan and Michelle Wolfe on their only London shows and Michael McIntyre on an entire arena tour including Wembley and the O2.
He was only 1 of 7 comedians to perform in front of Banksy at Dismal Land and he’s written on the recent series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
"A brilliantly funny comedian" Russell Howard
“Funny as hell” Rhod Gilbert
“Birdie supported me on my arena tour and made me laugh every night. Truly an excellent comedian.” Michael McIntyre
“Love it. Never stop, never change” Troy Hawke
Alexander Bennett: All It Takes

Wondering when all your work will pay off? Waiting for your lucky break? This is a show for you. Expect songs and strong feelings.

????? “Surprisingly powerful - will leave you in tears of laughter" Broadway World
????? "Hugely talented - captivating" Three Weeks
????? "See this show" Broadway Baby

???? "Balances hilarity with poignant themes" Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

Alexander Bennett is a Chortle and Leicester Comedy Festival Award nominated comedian. His solo shows have received rave reviews, been recommended by the British Comedy Guide, featured in The Times Top Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe and performed at London's prestigious Soho Theatre. He has been heard on the Always Be Comedy, Comedian’s Comedian, and Jokes with Mark Simmons podcasts, on the BBC (5 Live, Radio 4) and his own award nominated podcast Born Yesterday. He has been featured in the Guardian, Metro and IPaper.

???? "A testament to the power of comedy to illuminate the human experience” The Reviews Hub
???? “Dark, biting, deeply cynical humour is part of his comedic DNA” The QR
???? “Genuinely hilarious” One4Review
???? "Brilliantly moving, hilarious and singular" ENTERTAINMENT NOW

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.