Join Ahir Shah and Pierre Novellie as they give you a taste of comedic talent in anticipation of the acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Ahir Shah
"I was too poor to find out why I'm poor." Ahir Shah
British comedian Ahir Shah is well known for his quick witted, intellectual take on stand-up comedy intertwined with interesting political and philosophical quips. Ahir is no stranger to TV, appearing frequently on popular shows such as Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, Mock the Week, The Mash Report/Late Night Mash, Guessable and Catastrophe. Ahir is a 2023 Sky Edinburgh Comedy Award winner for Best Show and he returns with a preview ahead of a new international tour. His tour centres around money, love, responsibility as well as forever and frogs. One of Shah’s latest shows, Ends, impressively toured globally and made appearances in the UK, Ireland, US, Australia, New Zealand and India and is now available on your screen via Netflix.
“This is truly outstanding stand-up.” Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard
“An astonishing comedy hour…takes audiences to the highest of highs of human emotion.” Isobel Lewis, The Independent
“A show so magnificent on every level…Absolutely my show of the Fringe” Times
★★★★★ Guardian
★★★★★ Chortle
★★★★★ Independent
★★★★★ Telegraph
★★★★★ Standard
★★★★★ Mail on Sunday
Pierre Novellie
“There will always be idiots but they are in the minority and never forget their greatest weakness: they are idiots.” Pierre Novellie
The versatile stand-up comedian Pierre Novellie’s talents vary widely from undeniably spreading laughter to writing, podcasting and doing radio. His analytical flair on observational comedy is one of the qualities that he is well recognised for. He has received many impressive accolades including 5 million downloads for the popular Budpod podcast, accumulated over 250,000 views online and achieved a sold out show called ‘Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?’ at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This Edinburgh Festival Fringe Show then went onto rank admirably in the top 20 and as one of best reviewed comedy shows in the festival as a whole. Prominent television appearances from Pierre Novellie include the World's Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central).
“Dawn of a major talent.” Guardian
“A storming hour of punchy, exceptional stand up.” Jay Richardson, The Scotsman
“Wry, confident observational comedy…Hilarious.” The Sunday Times
About Edinburgh Fringe Previews at DAC
Our Edinburgh Fringe Previews are a series of live stand-up comedy shows that provide a fun and dynamic prelude leading up to the opening of The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026. Whether you are new to comedy or are a seasoned comedy show attendee you can expect exposure to fresh humour within an uplifting local community setting.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the biggest and most globally renowned festivals that takes place across August in Scotland. It celebrates all things creative from comedy and theatre to dance, children’s shows, musicals and more.
Dugdale Arts Centre’s previews will bring incredible well recognised comedians to share their talent with you against the backdrop of our intimate theatre. We have three months packed with captivating shows with each event having its own flair. We are very grateful to host entertainers so passionate about their craft.
Click here to explore the full series and check out our line up.
