CANCER SURVIVOR
Jo was diagnosed with Grade 3, Stage 2 hormone positive breast cancer in May 2021. As a way of coping Jo wrote comedy about her experiences as she went through her cancer treatment. This turned into a one woman show called Cancer and Cartwheels – stand-up, skits, and songs about Jo’s victory over cancer and her cartwheeling ability.
Jo is a passionate patient advocate and is available for interviews, talks and performances related to her cancer survivorship. As a medical doctor and comedian, Jo has a unique ability to share important health messages through comedy. She can talk with sensitivity and humour about the important of self-checks for cancer and knowing your breast density. Also, living well after cancer treatment and ways to reduce long term side effects during treatment.
CANCER AND CARTWHEELS
What happens when a comedian’s life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny?
When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle – even during chemo – she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. Jo is now cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. You are invited to laugh with her at her one woman show Cancer and Cartwheels.
Combining her wit, psychiatric knowledge and lived experience, Cancer and Cartwheels is an empowering show that is a much-needed representation of cancer survivorship and a hearty laugh. Jo’s humour and experience resonates loudly with women 45+ and her informed approach to crafting comedy makes it a meaningful – and at times educational – night out for a wider audience.
Complementing her comedy talent and psychiatry practice, Jo is also an author, with a new release book for parents about teenage mental health, When Life Sucks, published by Harper Collins. Her guiding kaupapa on the page and stage is to look after yourself and keep finding the humour in life. Cancer and Cartwheels embodies this wholeheartedly; it is just the tonic required for anyone struggling with change, feeling overwhelmed after bad news or wanting to be entertained.
Laugh through the tough stuff- with a hilarious night of meaningful comedy!
REVIEWS OF CANCER AND CARTWHEELS
“In addition to being very funny, Jo also has a terrific way of sharing educational information. And she’s so talented, at times it feels like a one-woman pageant: she glides from fashion catwalk, to life coach, to singer” – Backstage Christchurch.
“Prendergast is a seasoned performer and a delight to watch. She blends stand up and skit-based physical comedy seamlessly… Despite the fact that I’m not a cancer survivor or approximately 50, I still find myself giggling away at jokes I half understand, and I even learn a thing or two! Cancer and Cartwheels is an absolute delight” – Art Murmurs -Wellington.
“We will be leaving the theatre uplifted by a courageous soul and a resoundingly funny performance.” – Theatreview – Wellington.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A cracker of a show with an important message.” – Glam Adelaide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “ A show that masterfully blends humour with personal insight, leaving the audience both laughing and reflecting. A must-see, unforgettable performance, hilarious and heartwarming.” –Such Cliché
★ ★ ★ ★ “she manages to pull it off with style”. – Sydney Arts Guide
★ ★ ★ ★ “…brings the house down with fits of laughter and escapism. The audience absolutely loved the experience”. Theatre Matters
“The sketches are where her creativity shines….dynamic performance….blending humour and insight with great delivery….full of warmth, heart, and an authenticity that immediately draws you in. Prendergast has found the perfect equation, one that lingers long after the final bow”. My Melbourne Arts
“Dr. Jo Prendergast’s “Cancer and Cartwheels” is a standout performance at the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The energy in the room was palpable—it wasn’t just a comedy show—it was a testament to the power of humour in healing”. Melbourning