Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
Performed by Keith Alessi
Directed by Erika Conway
Produced by CaroleW Productions
A joke tellin’, banjo playin’, heart healin’ experience
Originating in North America, this inspirational true story of overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions, and the healing power of music has delighted international audiences. This is an exclusive North East tour following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Playhouse in New York.
Keith Alessi was a well-known CEO running a company in Canada when he received a deadly cancer diagnosis. This event served as a catalyst for him to learn to play the banjo, a long-deferred passion. He ultimately found physical and emotional healing in a circle of musicians and this show tells that story. His journey to the stage was an improbable one.
This award-winning inspirational story will be exclusively touring the North East of England this Spring fresh from a successful run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Soho Playhouse in New York.
“Keith Alessi delivers a poignant message of resilience, hope and endurance we all need to hear right now.”
★★★★ Broadway Baby
“A heart-warming show which is much needed at present.”
British Theatre Guide
North East Tour Dates & Venues
April 2023
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Wednesday 5 April, 7.30pm - The Lit & Phil
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Thursday 6 April, 7.30pm - The Community Hall, Grizebeck, Kirby in Furness, Cumbria*
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Friday 7 April, 8pm - Watson Institute, Castle Carrock, Brampton*
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Saturday 8 April, 7.30pm - Barningham Village Hall, Richmond, County Durham*
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Sunday 9 Apil, 7.30pm - The Cheviot Centre, Wooler*
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Wednesday 12 April, 7pm - Hamsterley & Low Westward Community Hall
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Thursday 13 April, 7pm - Trimdon Grange Community Association
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Friday 14 April, 6pm - Hamsteels Community Centre
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Saturday 15 April, 7pm - Coundon & Leeholme Community Centre
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Sunday 16 April, 3pm - St John's Hall, Meadowfield
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Monday 17 April, 7pm - The Customs House, South Shields
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Wednesday 19 April, 7.30pm - Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Hexham
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Thursday 20 April, 8pm - Gala Durham
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Friday 21 April, 7.30pm - The Witham, Barnard Castle
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Sunday 23 April, 3pm - The Exchange Theatre, North Shields
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Wednesday 25 April, 7pm - Clara Vale Village Hall
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Thursday 27 April, 7.45pm - Alnwick Playhouse
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Friday 28 April, 7pm - Saltburn Community Theatre
* These dates are presented as part of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

Photo by Lauren Hamm