The Best Edinburgh Fringe Preview Shows

It's coming to that time of year again... when a whole host of some of the best comics from across the globe start prepping themselves for the month of August, when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over the Scottish Capital for a month-long extravaganza of comedy, theatre, cabaret, and all things creative. However, given the usual procedure for the Fringe, many of the comedians will have a new show to practise before taking it to these streets of Auld Reekie; that's where these Edinburgh Fringe previews come in. 

Up and down the country, comedians, ready to take the Fringe by storm, are putting the last finishing touches on their shows for the festival; giving their fans who can't make it up to Edinburgh a nice sneak peek into what the shows will entail. From our favourite comedians, to the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow, the stuff on show here is a fantastic way to see some of the biggest shows for cheap. 

So, if you can't make it up to the Edinburgh Fringe this year (or if you can and just want a sneak peek at what will entail), then have scroll down and check out some of these side-splitting shows. From huge multi-comic bills to individual shows, we've got it all, just make sure to secure those tickets quickly! Your funny bone will never forgive you otherwise. 

 

 

 

Paul Sinha Plus Special Guests | Edinburgh Previews

When: Wednesday 12th July 2023

Where: The Cove in Brighouse

First up, and arguably the most attractive night on the list, is this multi-comic Edinburgh Fringe preview show at The Cove in Brighouse, featuring an incredible lineup of comedic talent. This includes: Paul Sinha, 'aka The Sinnerman', a man widely known from ITV's The Chase, who brings his award-winning wit to the stage. Joining him will be former Manchester Comedian of The Year, Dawn Bailey, who shares hilarious anecdotes about juggling her career, kids, and slimming club meetings; Anthony Williams, who looks to engage audiences with wry observations and tales of being a bargain-hunting single parent; rising star Andy Ellis, one of the best new acts in the biz, also joins to supply the laughs; and the whole night will be compared by Anthony J Brown, known for killer ad-libs and excellent crowd work. Make sure to join in the giggles at The Cove for an unforgettable evening of laughter and an amazing insight to some of the very best shows at this year's Fringe!

 

Tickets for Paul Sinha plus special guests | Edinburgh Preview

Buy tickets:

 

---

 

Funhouse Comedy Club - Edinburgh Festival Preview All-Dayer

When: Sunday 9th July 2023

Where: Bar One in Derby

Experience a day of exceptional comedy at Bar One in Derby on Sunday, July 9th, as Funhouse Comedy presents its Edinburgh Festival Preview All-Dayer. Prepare for an unforgettable lineup featuring some of the brightest talents in comedy.

On the bill; Emmanuel Sonubi, a nominee for the Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer in 2022, returns with "Curriculum Vitae," a hilarious exploration of his life's journey; Lindsey Santoro, a rising star from Birmingham, delivers her debut stand-up hour, "Pink Tinge," showcasing her natural comedic brilliance; Geoff Norcott, known for his playful and provocative humour, offers "Basic Bloke," a show that sheds light on both the cultural and political scene; Dan Tiernan shares his gag-heavy, high-energy debut hour, "Going Under," highlighting his unique perspective as a 27-year-old gay man with dyspraxia; Matt Bragg captivates with his masterful delivery, leaving the audience wanting more; and heading up proceedings, Dave Bibby presents "Baby Dinosaur," a show that combines songs, sketches, and award-winning stand-up in a hilarious exploration of parenthood and dinosaurs. 

Basically, it's a night absolutely chock-a-block full of incredibly funny people, and we'll be surprised if you don't need an operation on your funny bone afterwards. Secure those tickets asap!

 

Find more information on the Funhouse Comedy Club - Edinburgh Festival preview all-dayer - HERE

 

 

---

 

Dane Baptiste | Edinburgh Preview

When: The Attic in Southampton

Where: Wednesday 5th July 2023

Following his award-nominated tour ‘The Chocolate Chip’ in 2021, Dane Baptiste returns with a brand-new mentality and new stand-up material, ready and primed to take the Fringe by storm. Dane Baptiste is now a grown-ass man. No longer known by his bad-boy aliases, 'Daneger, 'Joke Dza', or 'ASAP Bap'. Now, Dane presents a mature comic for comedy palettes. Dane Baptiste is BAPSQUIRE! 

The original and provocative comedian, Dane Baptiste, is one of the most exciting acts to break in many years. Dane made history as the first Black British act to be nominated for a comedy award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for his debut stand-up show Citizen Dane. 

Now, back with yet another Edinburgh Show and looking to take the next step up the award ladder, Dane is looking to iron out any last bumps and make his show the best it can be at these previews, and we can't wait to see what he's got in store!

 

Tickets for Dane Baptiste | Edinburgh Preview

Buy tickets:

 

---

 

Avalon Edinburgh Preview - Rob Auton and Chloe Petts

When: Wednesday 21st June 2023

Where: Norden Farm Centre For The Arts in Maidenhead

Yet another ace Fringe preview lineup, this one slightly smaller, but when it's via the guys at Avalon, the UK's leading comedy agent, you know it's going to be a hit. 

The Bill consists of two comedians. First is Rob Auton, known for his acclaimed Edinburgh fringe shows like The Yellow Show and The Time Show. He has appeared on Sky's The Russell Howard Hour and Comedy Central's Rob Delaney's Stand Up Central, with his set going viral on Facebook. Rob is also the award-winning creator of The Rob Auton Daily Podcast. Also on the bill is Chloe Petts, a rising star in comedy, who has appeared on Absolute Radio's The Frank Skinner Show and ITV's Jonathan Ross's Comedy Club. She is a co-founder of The Lol Word, a renowned queer comedy collective hosting sell-out London nights. Both are absolutely fantastic. 

Don't miss this incredible sneak peek into some Fringe shows at Norden Farm Centre For The Arts. Get your tickets now!

 

Find more information on the Avalon Edinburgh Preview - Rob Auton and Chloe Petts - HERE

 

---

  

Andy Parsons | Edinburgh Preview

When: Thursday 13th July 2023

Where: The Glee Club in Glasgow

For all you fans of comedy on the telly, Andy Parsons should need no introduction. A veteran on Mock The Week, and a regular on many other panel shows, Andy has been gracing us with his grizzly voice and witty nature for years now. When it comes to the Fringe, Andy is also a bit of a veteran, having done 17 full-run Edinburgh shows. However,  Andy hasn’t done one for 17 years, and he thinks it was time he went back. Whilst he’s only doing the last 2 weeks as he’s now got parental responsibilities, and he might get homesick, you can get the chance to see a preview of the comeback show, by securing your tickets to this date in neighbouring Glasgow in July. Make sure to secure them asap!

 

Find more information on Andy Parsons | Edinburgh Preview - HERE

 

---

 

Connor Burns | Edinburgh Preview

When: Sunday 11th June 2023

Where: The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Join rising Scottish stand-up star Connor Burns for an exclusive Edinburgh preview show at Cumberland Arms on June 11th! Bringing with him a brand new solo hour, Connor is one of the most exciting and fastest-rising recent stars of Scottish stand-up. Connor is a regular at all the main comedy clubs across the UK and has toured with Larry Dean, Tom Stade, and opened for Daniel Sloss in the UK as well as across Australia.

Basically, Connor is one to catch on a smaller stage while you still can, and we're sure this Edinburgh show will be casting a lot more eyes his way.

 

Tickets for Connor Burns | Edinburgh Preview

Buy tickets:

 

---

 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival Preview All-Dayer

When:  Sunday 2nd July 2023

Where: The New Barrack Tavern in Sheffield

Join Funhouse Comedy for an unforgettable day of laughter at The New Barrack Tavern in Sheffield as they present the Edinburgh Festival Preview All-Dayer; where a variety of incredible comedic acts iron out their sets in preparation for the big event.

On the night you can experience a magical comedy show with married magicians Hudson and Hudson; witness James Cook's hilarious take on going viral; enjoy Aaron Simmonds' transition from sitting down to standing up in his stand-up comedy; prepare for a heartwarming and funny journey with Matt Price's "As Seen on CCTV,"; laugh along with Jay Handley's compilation of his best material in "The White Jesus Chronicles."; and finally, Harry Stachini serves up an hour of relatable and honest stand-up comedy in "Grenade."

Don't miss this diverse lineup of talented comedians for an evening filled with laughter and entertainment and a sneak peek at what the crowds at the Fringe will be treated to this year.

 

Find more information on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Preview All-Dayer - HERE

 

---

 

Stephen Buchanan | Edinburgh Preview 

When: Thursday 6th July 2023

Where: Club 45 Blackfriars Of Bell St in Glasgow

Award-winning Scottish comedian Stephen Buchanan (BBC New Comedy Award & Scottish Comedian of the Year) is getting ready and primed to try out his new show for the Edinburgh Fringe on this exclusive preview night of his upcoming show. With his unique blend of stand-up, sketch and character comedy, this is an hour straight of daft laughs and endless cheek-burning grins.

As seen/heard on: Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Scot Squad (BBC Scotland), The Comedy Underground (BBC Scotland), The Now Show (BBC Radio 4), The DriveTime Show (BBC Radio 2) and The Arts Hour (BBC World Service); Stephen is widely experienced and knows exactly how to force some silly giggles out of each and every audience member. Don't miss out on this one!

 

Tickets for Stephen Buchanan | Edinburgh Preview 

Buy tickets:

 

---

 

Gareth Waugh and Liam Withnail | Edinburgh Preview 

When: Saturday 15th July 2023

Where: The Blue Lamp Comedy Club in Aberdeen

Two of Scotland's Best Comedians, Gareth Waugh and Liam Withnail are proud to present a sneak peek at their 2023 Edinburgh Fringe shows. This is a must-see for all you Scottish Comedy fans, who may not be able to make it over the Edinburgh this August. 

Gareth Waugh, who has opened for the likes of Daniel Sloss, Katherine Ryan and John Bishop, will be bringing you his show that annuls the adventures and hilarious mishaps of a new dad.  A local comedian tells the story of his life being flipped upside down. Whereas Liam Withnail, Winner of Amused Moose's Outstanding Show Award, Edinburgh Fringe 2019, with over 10 million views on TikTok and Instagram, will also be bringing you his new show but is more tight-lipped about its content, so you'll have to head down to see what it's all about! 

Secure your tickets below and get an exclusive sneak peek before the big month in the Scottish Capital!

 

Tickets for Gareth Waugh and Liam Withnail | Edinburgh Preview 

Buy tickets:

 

---

 

Sneak Peek: Fringe 2023... Work In Progress! 

When: Every Thursday in June at 7pm and 9pm

Where: Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh

Described by the Metro as "Fringe Heroes" and as the Fringe's "Beating Heart" by the Telegraph, Monkey Barrel Comedy believes that the delicious tastes of the Edinburgh Fringe should be digested all year round! 

Thursdays’ Sneak Peek is your opportunity to be the first to see material that will eventually evolve into a show at the most exciting comedy festival in the world. An array of some of the very best acts from The Fringe will be working on their new stuff and you’re warmly invited to come along and see it here first. 

Outstanding Fringe Show award winner Liam Withnail hosts a different line-up each night, featuring some of the country's top acts, award-winning festival favourites and the very best up-and-coming talent around. Whilst the lineups aren't released until right before the event, just grab a ticket in the link below to whichever is available, you can guarantee it'll be comedy gold!

 

Find tickets for all the Sneak Peek: Fringe 2023... Work In Progress! events - HERE

 

---

---

 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.