About John Kearns
John Kearns: Tilting at Windmills is a stand-up show by John Kearns, performed at Monkey Barrel 3 during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A fragmented, digressing portrayal of a thirty-eight-year-old man's life, touching on the modern condition and alluding to books he hasn't read. John Kearns is a double Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, known from Taskmaster on Channel 4, Live at the Apollo on BBC, Never Mind the Buzzcocks on Sky, and his Sky stand-up special The Varnishing Days. The show runs for 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 14 and over. Tickets start at £16.
Why see this show?
Kearns is a comedian with an entirely singular style — digressive, strange, and funnier than the form suggests. This is brand-new material from someone who has won the Edinburgh Comedy Award twice.
£16
Tuesday 18 - Sunday 30 August 2026
All performances at 16:15
13 performances
60 mins
1 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
The show runs for 60 minutes.
Where is it performed?
The show takes place at Monkey Barrel 3.
What is the age guidance?
The show is suitable for ages 14 and over.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets start at £16. See the booking link on this page for current ticket prices.
What kind of show is it?
It is a stand-up comedy show.
Are there any content warnings?
No content warnings are listed for this show.
About This Comedy Show
John Kearns: Tilting at Windmills is a comedy performance at Monkey Barrel 3 during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.
Expect an evening of laughter with professional comedians delivering their best material. Most comedy shows at Edinburgh run for 50-60 minutes, perfect for fitting multiple shows into your day.
Venue: Monkey Barrel 3
Monkey Barrel 3 is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.
Tips for Attending
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the best seats
- •Front row seats may involve audience interaction
- •Check content warnings for adult material
- •Many venues have a bar for pre-show drinks
Booking Information
Ticket Prices: £16 - £17
Age Guidance: 14+
Content Warnings: None
Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.
Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026
Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.John Kearns: Tilting at Windmills represents the comedy excellence that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.
Looking for more comedy shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?
Browse all Comedy shows →Similar events
More shows you might like
Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API
