Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life

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.