Join psychiatrist award-winning comedian and cancer survivor Dr. Jo Prendergast as she brings her critically acclaimed solo comedy show Cancer and Cartwheels to the Melbourne Comedy Festival this March.
After a sold-out debut and rave reviews in New Zealand Jo is making her way to the Melbourne stage with a hilarious heartwarming and deeply meaningful performance about overcoming breast cancer reclaiming her cartwheeling abilities and navigating the changes that come with illness aging and menopause.
Written during her cancer treatment Cancer and Cartwheels blends comedy storytelling musical numbers and video clips to entertain and educate. With a unique perspective as both a medical professional and comedian Jo takes the audience on a journey of resilience self-discovery and humour turning her personal experience into absurd and uplifting moments that will leave you laughing and reflecting.
Jo’s battle with cancer left her right arm disabled—could she ever cartwheel again? In this show she shares the emotional and physical challenges of surviving cancer while celebrating her triumph over adversity. Cancer and Cartwheels also explores vital themes like early cancer detection the often-overlooked symptoms of menopause and the emotional toll of cancer treatments.
But it’s not all heavy—the show is packed with comedy skits musical acts and laugh-out-loud moments while also addressing serious issues like toxic positivity body neutrality and healthcare inequality. Whether you’re a cancer survivor someone navigating the ups and downs of aging or simply a fan of stand-up comedy with heart this show will leave you uplifted informed and entertained.
Cancer and Cartwheels is at the Melbourne Comedy Festival for a seven-show season between 31 March - 6 April at The Motley Bauhaus with tickets starting at $15. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit https://www.eventfinda.com.au/2025/cancer-and-cartwheels/melbourne/carlton
Performance dates & times
Monday 31 March 5:45pm
Tuesday 1 April 5:45pm
Wednesday 2 April 5:45pm
Thursday 3 April 5:45pm
Friday 4 April 5:45pm
Saturday 5 April 5:45pm
Sunday 6 April 5:45pm
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 118 Elgin St, Carlton, Melbourne 3053, Melbourne, Australia
