John Kearns Debuts 'Tilting at Windmills' with Eliot
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- John Kearns debuted his new show "Tilting at Windmills", which uses T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" as a central motif.
- Alec Guinness provides sound clips of "The Waste Land" that punctuate the performance.
- Jon Brittain directed the show, shaping its Eliot‑like fragments and existential tone.
- John Kearns appears flat‑hunting in South London while living with his parents after a 12‑year relationship ended.
- Nina Conti appears in a segment where Kearns wonders “am I my own puppet?” after an encounter with the ventriloquist.
- Tony Blair is recalled by Kearns as having attended his school play during an awkward teenage meeting.
- Connor (estate agent) engages in a dialogue with Kearns that reveals the show's sharp, hurtful humor.
Why it matters: Kearns gains a high‑profile platform to translate his post‑breakup turmoil into a literary‑infused comedy, while the show’s limited commercial reach signals modest ticket sales. The eclectic mix of Eliot motifs, Alec Guinness narration, and Jon Brittain’s direction may draw a niche audience craving intellectually layered humor.
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