Full Edinburgh run a year after his cancer diagnosis

Matt Forde has announced his first live dates after cancer surgery to have the base of his spine removed.

The political comedian will perform five work-in-progress gigs at London’s Soho Theatre from the end of next month, ahead of a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

It was at last year’s festival where Forde first experienced the sciatica which led to his cancer diagnosis. By October he was undergoing surgery, and he is now learning to walk again.

He said today: ‘I cannot wait to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe again, despite returning to the place where my life turned upside-down.

‘After my final show there, I was told I had cancer. Instead of going on tour, I was being carved open to have the base of my spine removed. Now I know how turkeys feel. And it was in the run-up to Christmas.

‘I’m learning to walk again and with the help of two fantastic helpers (sticks), I will be back at on stage.

‘When I was laid in that hospital bed in excruciating pain, the only thought on my mind was "at least I’ll get a show out of this". Then I’d remember that I’m a political comedian and I’d think "oh well, at least people don’t have to hear me do a show about this".’

Forde returned to his job co-presenting Rock 'N' Roll Football on Absolute Radio in February, and later tho his his British Scandal and Political Party podcasts.

His End of An Era Tour will run from August 1 to 25 at 8pm at Pleasance Beyond ahead of the US and, most likely, UK, elections. Tickets go on general sale on May 9.

Published: 29 Apr 2024