Cancer and Cartwheels - Dr Jo Prendergast at the Melbourne Comedy Festival

The Motley Bauhaus - Cabaret Stage

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  

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

FAST FACTS

Season dates:

• 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 

Ticket partner:  Eventfinda

Cost:

• General admission: $28
• Concession: $20
• First Nations: $15
• Groups 6+: $22
• Tightarse Tuesday: $22
• Preview: $22

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