John Kearns: Tilting at Windmills

We’ve got a highly anticipated comedy night coming up in Brighton this spring. John Kearns, the comedian known for his distinctive style, is bringing his new show, Tilting at Windmills, to the city. Kearns is a familiar name in the comedy world, having been a double winner of the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award and a former contestant on Taskmaster. The show is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, and will take place at the Corn Exchange, which is part of the Brighton Dome complex on Church Street. If you’re planning to attend, the show starts at 7:30 PM (19:30), with doors opening about 45 minutes earlier at 6:45 PM (18:45).

Kearns’s stand-up is often described as unique, and this new material, directed by Jon Brittain, continues that trend. Tilting at Windmills is presented as a fragmented and digressive portrait of a 38-year-old man’s life. The content is noted for being more allusive and somber than his previous work, touching on the modern condition and even referencing “books he hasn’t read.” One description gives a good sense of the tone, calling it: “A show for those who have read about but not committed to the Guinness Nitrosurge.” This approach has garnered significant critical acclaim, including five-star reviews from The Guardian and Chortle. The Times also gave it four stars, noting it was “almost as funny as anything this decade,” while The Guardian praised the “delicious poetic touch that defines all his work.”

For those interested in the practical details, the show is expected to run for approximately 110 minutes, which includes an interval, making it a substantial evening of comedy. Tickets are generally priced around £27.00. Due to the nature of the material, the event is recommended for ages 16 and up. Kearns, who is presented by Avalon UK, has a strong track record, having also appeared on shows like Live at the Apollo and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. If you appreciate comedy that offers context and depth alongside the laughs, this is one to look into.