Battersea Arts Centre is known as one of the best and most attractive theatre venues in London - but for much of July it is comedy that takes centre stage, with a bumper season of Edinburgh previews.

Between the 18th and 30th July, BAC plays host to no less than 49 previews, including award winners, TV stars and up-and-coming comics, before they head up to Edinburgh for the duration of August.

Among those performing will be Josie Long; last year's Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Sam Simmons; nominees Kieran Hodgson, Nish Kumar and Sarah Kendall; and the four-time nominated James Acaster.

The Bugle podcaster and satirist Andy Zaltman performs on the 30th July, while Mae Martin - the Canadian comic who had one of the stand-out shows last year - does so on 25th July. Tony Law fans should put the 28th July in their diary and the 27th July is the night for Bafta-nominated comedian Spencer Jones, whose Mr-Bean-meets-Tommy-Cooper act has been one of the breakthroughs in recent years. Alternative comedy hero Simon Munnery previews his new show on the 27th July, as does the life-affirming poet-comedian Rob Auton.

Joining the more established acts are some hotly tipped newer comedians such as Jamali Maddix, Lolly Adefope, Jonny Pelham and Jordan Brookes. Those seeking out some character or sketch comedy should check out Holly Burn (20th July), Emma Sidi (25th July), and Lazy Susan and Birthday Girls (26th July).

With the preview shows taking place in many different rooms across BAC, it's a great excuse for comedy fans to have a poke around this stunning grade II-listed building. Battersea suffered a catastrophic fire in its Grand Hall last year, and planning permission has recently been given to rebuild it - so your money will help one of Britain's cultural gems restore its former glories. The Grand Hall has been the location for many a big comedy show and charity fundraiser, hosting the likes of French & Saunders, Stewart Lee, Harry Hill, Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

Battersea Arts Centre is on Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN. Its Edinburgh Comedy Previews 2016 take place between the 18th and 30th July, with start times between 7pm and 9:45pm. Prices range from £6 to £10. For more details and to book tickets visit www.bac.org.uk