Catch an exclusive preview of the Edinburgh Fringe at this Bristol pub

Catch an exclusive preview of the Edinburgh Fringe at this Bristol pub

Posted on: 26 Mar 2024

With Edinburgh Fringe fast approaching on the horizon, fans are clamouring to catch a taste of what may be on the way - and Bristol's Smoke & Mirrors are offering just that.

The Edinburgh Fringe is the comedy event of the year for the UK - the most prestigious event a budding comedian can attend, and a forge of dreams where souls are made - or broken. It's a heady, exciting time for performers and audiences alike, but not everyone can make the trip to attend. Luckily, Edinburgh previews have become something of a tradition, particularly in the laugh-loving city of Bristol, and one pub in particular has a mind-blowing range of previews on the way.

Smoke & Mirrors is a self-described 'Theatre Pub' - a hidden gem of a venue with an emphasis on magic, and comedy. House Magicians wander the tables performing tricks, and audiences can enjoy a pint before heading into the hidden theatre for an evening of delightful jokes and tricks.

With Edinburgh on the way, Smoke & Mirrors have revived a classic tradition of theirs - the Edinburgh Preview season. Organsied by the hilarious host and MC of Smoke & Mirrors' regular comedy night Joke & Mirrors, Dani Johns, the previews are some of the most extensive in the city, spanning through May & June.

"We host previews every year at Smoke & Mirrors and it's always a lot of fun!" said Johns, speaking on the important of previews.  "As an audience member, it's a special gig as you're helping shape a show which could go on to win awards or become a national tour."

There are 17 dates of previews in total, each with two comedians on the bill - meaning a total of 34 comedians over May & June!

Previews are a great time to get in on the ground floor of amazing comedians who are just coming into their own. For her sneak peek recommendations, Dani had this to say: "I'm a big fan of Preet Singh and Lee Hudson, who are doing a double bill together. Obviously I'm biased and I love all the acts we've booked, but I also really recommend seeing Andrew White, Micky Overman and Fiona Ridgewell."

Of course, previews are also a great chance to catch already-massive comedians in an intimate, experimental setting - Dani Johns recommended to us Olga Koch, Jordan Brooks and Sooz Kempner, commenting "I can't wait for their shows, mainly because they're brilliant but also because they're rarely in Bristol."

For tickets to the Joke & Mirrors previews, or to see what else is on head to the Smoke & Mirrors website.

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Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.