My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

TOMATOES TRIED TO KILL ME BUT BANJOS SAVED MY LIFE Debuts in London for Two Nights

This inspirational true story chronicles Keith Alessi's journey from the corporate world to his pursuit of his passion for the banjo. 

By:
TOMATOES TRIED TO KILL ME BUT BANJOS SAVED MY LIFE Debuts in London for Two Nights

The hit Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show of 2023, 2024 and 2025, Keith Alessi's Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life will arrive at the Kings Head Theatre in London for two very special performances only.

This inspirational true story chronicles Keith's journey from the corporate world to his pursuit of his passion for the banjo.  All of this was triggered by a deadly cancer diagnosis and the show is testimony to the healing power of music.

Since 2018, Keith has internationally toured this highly awarded, inspirational true story about overcoming obstacles, pursuing passions, and the healing power of the arts with warmth, humour and banjo music!

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me isn't just a show, it's a cause. A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi'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 (CAD) as of November 2025 for various charities including cancer organisations, music programmes, community groups and artist funding and development.

All proceeds from the performances at the King's Head Theatre will benefit the theatres Angels of Angel programme which supports creation and production of new theatrical productions. 

 “I can't wait to perform the show to London audiences for the first time and  to be able to support the great work being done by the wonderful Kings Head Theatre.” said Keith Alessi.  “We hope that the money we can raise in tickets sales will have a meaningful impact to the theatre artists of the future.”



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Off-Broadway Play - Top 3
1. A Christmas Carol (Thorne Adaptation) - PAC NYC
7.5% of votes
2. Prince F****t - Playwrights Horizons
5.9% of votes
3. Andre De Shields is Tartuffe - House of the Redeemer
4.8% of votes

Don't Miss a UK Regional News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


The George Harrison Project, LEICESTER The Little Theatre, Sat 4 July 2026 in UK Regional The George Harrison Project, LEICESTER The Little Theatre, Sat 4 July 2026
The Little Theatre (7/04-7/04)
Waiting for Godot in UK Regional Waiting for Godot
Arches Lane Theatre (6/02-6/07)
Burn the Floor: Supernova in UK Regional Burn the Floor: Supernova
Barbican (6/16-6/16)
G4 Christmas 2026 - Winchester Guildhall in UK Regional G4 Christmas 2026 - Winchester Guildhall
Guildhall Winchester (12/21-12/21)
Steve Steinman''s BAT - Bat Out of Hell 50th Anniversary Tour in UK Regional Steve Steinman''s BAT - Bat Out of Hell 50th Anniversary Tour
Vaillant Live, Derby (11/04-11/04)
G4 Christmas 2026 - Hereford Cathedral in UK Regional G4 Christmas 2026 - Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral (11/18-11/18)
Great British Bake Off: The Musical in UK Regional Great British Bake Off: The Musical
Whitby Pavilion Theatre (6/25-6/27)
Count Arthur Strong - And It’s Goodnight From Me! in UK Regional Count Arthur Strong - And It’s Goodnight From Me!
Hazlitt Theatre (4/07-4/07)
SPY at The Underworld - London in UK Regional SPY at The Underworld - London
The Underworld (9/10-9/10)
Burn the Floor: Supernova in UK Regional Burn the Floor: Supernova
Marlowe Theatre (6/26-6/26)