Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life

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Theatre (music, solo show)

  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 18 months

Description

2023 Mervyn Stutter's Pick of the Fringe/sold-out run in Edinburgh! 'A sold-out Fringe classic!' **** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). One of 18 worldwide 'Best of' shows selected to participate in the Fringe Encore series Off-Broadway at the historic Soho Playhouse in New York City in 2019. Sell-out run. An inspirational true story about overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions and the healing power of music. A heartfelt passion project that began as an idea after a devastating life event caused Keith Alessi to think differently about his future. Internationally toured and highly awarded.

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Information not supplied

    • Wheelchair access type: Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info

How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Eddie Reynolds, www.theatreeddys.com 124 days ago

“Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life”
Keith Alessi has 52 (and counting) banjos in his closet. The celebrated ex-CEO (and CPA by trade) who rescued failing companies also has a life story that includes a near-death encounter with cancer caused by a lifelong love of the tomatoes from his Italian-American mother’s kitchen. As he recovered in the past 8+ years from his cancer, he finally got those banjos out of the closet and got serious not just learning to play, but learning how to feel the music in his soul. His spell bounding, heartwarming, and completely inspiring story (directed by Erika Conway) is related in a friendly, folksy manner peppered with toe-tapping banjo music and a host of hilarious banjo jokes. This is his third, sold out year at the Fringe; and his show has won ‘best of’ awards on both sides of the Atlantic. All proceeds from his performances go to cancer and theatre nonprofits.
Rating: 5 E

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EW 134 days ago

A heartfelt story about how you cope when life throws you a curveball or two! Keith' story and "3 promises he made to himself" is something everyone can relate to and apply to their own lives! Thank you Keith! Your story has made us look at how we are currently living our lives and how we could be! 4/5 and recommended!

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Jenny Barretto 135 days ago

Touching, funny, and heartwarming. I loved every minute. You really just want to grab a pint with Keith afterwards to hear more about his life.

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Craig Riecke 140 days ago

I'd recommend this show to two audiences: (1) Those intrigued by a song titled "5 Pounds of Possum in My Headlights Tonight" (2) Those who aren't. In other words, everyone.

It's laugh-out-loud funny, touching, and honest. You don't have to like banjo music to appreciate "Tomatoes" - the story is the draw here. In fact, he unflinchingly stares down all the banjo player jokes and clawhammers his merry way anyway.

The kids in the my show's audience were having a great time along with everyone else ... if that makes a difference to you.

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Arts Reviews Edinburgh (5/5 stars) 137 days ago

Keith is a natural storyteller

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.