A PERFORMANCE sharing an inspirational story of a cancer survivor will come to the Queen's Hall Arts Centre in Hexham.

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life has had a successful run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Soho Playhouse in New York.

The show tells the inspirational true story of Keith Alessi, a well-known CEO in North America.

He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, two weeks after quitting his high-flying job to pursue his dream of becoming a banjo player.

Hexham Courant: Keith Alessi in his one-man showKeith Alessi in his one-man show (Image: Lauren Hamm)

He was told he had just 50 per cent chance of living a year. Tomatoes, specifically heartburn caused by them, were the culprit.

This award-winning true story of overcoming obstacles, pursuing a passion and the healing power of music will be at Queen’s Hall on Wednesday, April 19 at 7.30pm.

It is part of an eighteen-date tour of community and theatre venues across the North East and Cumbria presented by CaroleW Productions.

Performed by Keith himself, this is a one-man show with a difference.

Carole Wears of CaroleW Productions said: “After falling in love with this story at last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe I caught Keith and director Erika after the show for a quick chat. After telling them about our beautiful region, of which I am infinitely proud, I said that if they ever found themselves in the UK I’d love to organise a tour of the region for them."

Keith Alessi added: “When we first shared this show with audiences at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2018 we couldn’t have dreamt that it would go on to have the success it has had.

"Several other Fringe Festivals and awards later and a chance encounter with Carole Wears led to this special opportunity to share my story with audiences in and around her home town. And we can’t wait.”

Keith has donated 100 per cent of his portion of ticket sales to cancer charities since the show's first performance in 2018. He is delighted to continue this for all performances that are part of this North East and Cumbria tour. Contributions to date total over £375,000.