Award-winning comedian, medical doctor, and mental health author Dr Jo Prendergast is set to light up the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with her hit show, Cancer and Cartwheels.
Following a sold-out Australian premiere at the Adelaide Fringe, this heartfelt and hilarious comedy explores Prendergast’s journey of resilience through cancer, aging, and menopause, blending stand-up, sketches, songs, and video clips.
“I wrote Cancer and Cartwheels during my treatment as a way of coping with what I was going through,” says Prendergast.
“It’s my way of showing that even in the face of something as daunting as cancer, there’s still room for finding the funny side in the difficult things we go through.”
The show is a celebration of life’s curveballs, offering laughter and hope to those affected by cancer—whether personally or through loved ones. “It’s a show for those who need to have a laugh when the shit hits the fan!” Prendergast adds.
A passionate advocate for mental health and cancer awareness, Prendergast is supporting the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) by inviting those directly impacted by breast cancer to attend her opening nights for free in exchange for a donation to the charity.
“As a psychiatrist and a breast cancer survivor, I am very aware of how important it is to not only survive cancer but to survive well,” she says.
Don’t miss this unique blend of comedy and compassion. Cancer and Cartwheels runs from 31 March to 6 April at the Motley Bauhaus, with tickets starting at $15. For more information, visit comedyfestival.com.au.
