John Kearns: Don’t Worry They’re Here (rating 3/5)
In a fringe programme packed with comedians who seem to be defined by who they have supported, or which TV shows they have guested on, John Kearns is something of a rarity.
Kearns is playing sold out shows at one of the largest venues in the Pleasance Dome, so clearly he’s managing very well without the benefit of TV comic endorsements. His appeal is at least as much down to his style of delivery as it is to the material itself, and it’s fair to say he’s a bit of an acquired taste.
Large false teeth and a monk wig, give him a distinctive appearance, and his delivery combines over-excitement and disbelief at the mundanities of life, which means he can get laughs just by opening his mouth.
Some of the material is very funny, a routine about Cadbury’s Cream Eggs is a particular highlight, and stories about the winner of the Cotswold Chase and a dog found dead with a ball in his mouth, both showing how triumph and tragedy can be a short step from each other.
At other times, it feels like style is covering for a lack of substance and the show is not as good as it could be.
John Kearns is at Pleasance Dome until August 12
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