Tickets: £16
An award winning inspirational true story
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life isn’t just a show, it’s a cause.
Keith Alessi shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate boardrooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo! When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humour and music, Keith’s story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph, and the healing power of the arts and music.
A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith’s life took a major turn, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100% of all artist fees, the show has raised over $1.2 million Canadian dollars (around £644,000) as of December 2025 for various charities including cancer organisations, music programs, community groups and artist funding and development.
The show has sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival three years in a row. It has toured internationally including Canada, the US, England, Scotland and Australia. The show was performed here at The Swallow Theatre in summer 2023, and we are delighted that it returns, as the story is worth retelling.
The show is highly informative with Alessi setting out the history and significance of banjos and fiddles in helping communities develop in America’s mountain ranges … There is no sense of him preaching, simply telling the lessons he has learnt in a low-key, highly engaging manner. A heart-warming show which is much needed at present.
British Theatre Guide
This intimate experience is one sure to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off your own long forgotten dreams.
Duration: approximately 75-80 minutes straight through.
After the performance ticketholders are invited to join an optional Q&A with performer Keith Alessi and director Erika Conway in the bar.
Recommended age : 12+
Theme of cancer survival.
Brief mentions of cancer treatment.
Brief mentions of growing up in an abusive household.
It is his purity of self that draws the audience in, his story glistening with intrigue yet unvarnished by twisted truths. It is storytelling at its finest …
Playbill
It’s hard not to both love this show or to be emotionally affected by it, which is full of banjos but also full of heart and hope and redemption, and above all the healing power of music.
North West End
An unmitigated delight
The Recs
As honest a show as you will find …
Arts Reviews Edinburgh
Poignant, hopeful and utterly compelling
Theatre Weekly
Keith Alessi delivers a poignant message of resilience, hope and endurance we all need to hear right now.
Broadway Baby