Edinburgh Fringe: John Kearns wins Comedy Award

COMEDIAN John Kearns has won the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award for best show at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the first time a free show has won the top prize.

John Kearns. Picture: TSPL

Kearns, a former House of Commons tour guide, who was appearing at the Voodoo Rooms, claimed the title just 12 months after being named best newcomer at the same awards, which have provided a platform to some of the biggest names in comedy.

Awards producer Nica Burns said: “It’s an extraordinary achievement - the first time a best newcomer has been named best comedy show in just one year.

“The show was utterly original, completely captivating and very, very funny.”

New York comic Alex Edelman won this year’s best newcomer title his show at the Pleasance.

A children’s show, Phil Ellis’s Funz and Games, which was part of the Just the Tonic programme, won the special recognition panel prize.

The Foster’s Comedy Awards, previously known as the Perriers and if.Comedy awards, are widely regarded as the most prestigious awards for comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe. Previous winners include The League of Gentlemen, Al Murray and Steve Coogan.