Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#76): Keith Alessi, TOMATOES TRIED TO KILL ME BUT BANJOS SAVED MY LIFE

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.  Today, we’re joined by Keith Alessi to chat more about their show, Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life.

01. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

It is an inspirational true story about how my pursuit of my long delayed passion for banjos literally and figuratively saved my life.  I was inspired to write the show after friends and medical professionals watched me successfully navigate a deadly cancer diagnosis and encouraged me to tell my story.

02.  What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

Edinburgh represents the pinnacle of the performing arts world.  We experienced great success the past 3 years here and are now moving into a larger venue.  

03.  How would you describe your show in three words?

Music's healing power

04.  What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

We hope that they will be inspired to pursue their long delayed passions.  It’s never too late.

05.  What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Pace yourself.  It's a marathon, not a sprint.

06.  Where and when can people see your show?

Where:  Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall (Venue 26)

When:  August 1- 25 ( not 10, 17) @ 1:45pm (1 Hour)

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