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.
Reviews:
"Keith Alessi takes two unlikely ingredients and whips up a one-man show to make you think, smile and – if you’re Sam Wonfor – reach for that dusty saxophone in the wardrobe."
"Finger-picking good"
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews Hub
“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
Interviews:
Find out what Keith had to say about Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me... when he spoke to the people at NE Volume (page 40-41) and Gilly Hope at BBC Radio Newcastle (1hr 48mins in).
Previews:
Find out more about the show from our friends at NE Volume Magazine, The Crack Magazine, NARC Magazine and the Hexham Courant.
Watch as Keith Alessi talks to Hexham TV about his upcoming tour:
North East Tour Dates & Venues
April 2023
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Wednesday 5 April, 7.30pm - The Lit & Phil - SOLD OUT
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Thursday 6 April, 7.30pm - The Community Hall, Grizebeck, Kirkby in Furness, Cumbria*
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Friday 7 April, 8pm - Watson Institute, Castle Carrock, Brampton* - SOLD OUT
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Saturday 8 April, 7.30pm - Barningham Village Hall, Richmond, County Durham* - SOLD OUT
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Sunday 9 April, 7.30pm - The Cheviot Centre, Wooler* - SOLD OUT
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Wednesday 12 April, 7pm - Hamsterley & Low Westward Community Centre (For tickets text 0790 5384068)
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Thursday 13 April, 7pm - Trimdon Grange Community Centre. (For tickets visit the Community Centre on weekday mornings 10am to 12.30pm, via email or text 07899 824429)
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Friday 14 April, 7pm - Hamsteels Community Centre
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Saturday 15 April, 7pm - Coundon & Leeholme Community Centre (For tickets text 0786 8654604)
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Sunday 16 April, 3pm - St John's Hall, Meadowfield.
(For tickets text 0784 6542035) -
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 - Laurels Whitley Bay
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Wednesday 26 April, 7pm - Clara Vale Village Hall
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Thursday 27 April, 7.45pm - Alnwick Playhouse
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Friday 28 April, 7.30pm - Saltburn Community Theatre
* These dates are presented as part of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

Photo by Lauren Hamm