Following sold-out runs and international acclaim, this highly awarded true story returns to showcase the healing power of the arts through warmth, humor, and live banjo music. Having already raised over $1.2 million for charity, this inspirational production continues its philanthropic mission with all proceeds from its Edinburgh Fringe run directly benefiting Summerhall Arts.
Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life is an inspirational true story about overcoming obstacles and pursuing one’s passions. It’s storytelling and includes lots of humour and banjos!
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Keith Alessi, the writer and performer, was a former accountant and corporate CEO before taking to the stage to tell his true story.
Erika Conway, Producer and Director, is a Canadian actress with over 35 years of experience in theatre, TV and film.
In this collaborative effort, Erika helped Keith stage what was to become this internationally toured and highly acclaimed work.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
This is our 5th year at the EdFringe! It’s always the highlight of our year and we always make connections and memories there.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
We donate 100% of our ticket sales to our venue each year to be used towards artist development and bringing acts to EdFringe who otherwise couldn’t afford to come. We’ve donated over 50,000 GBP to date and hope to raise better than 40,000 more this year as we’ve moved into a bigger room. We’ve sold out our runs each of the past 3 years.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
It’s a true story about how Keith overcame a deadly medical diagnosis and found healing, both emotional and physical, in music. It’s his voice. His firsthand experience. It’s authentic and unfiltered. Staging is simple.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Our audiences leave inspired and motivated. It’s everybody’s story. Life isn’t always easy. You can persevere and thrive. Don’t delay pursuing your passions.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
We see audiences crossing all demographics. The message is universal. Historically we drew a more mature, traditional theatre audience, but we have skewed much younger in Edinburgh. The show lands with them as well.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
We always attend lots of shows. We make certain to see Thunderstruck and anything that Melanie Gall is doing over at the TheSpace. We already have our tickets!
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life will run at Venue 26, TechCube 0 at Summerhall
Runs: August 6th – August 31st at 11.40am
Photo credit: Lauren Hamm
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’