Former doctor turned best-selling author and performer Adam Kay is set to take the stage at Newcastle City Hall in April as part of his 2025 Australian tour.
Following a completely sold-out run in 2024, Kay is bringing his critically acclaimed show This Is Going to Hurt Live back to Australia, offering a unique mix of comedy, storytelling, and insight into the realities of working in the medical profession.
Kay’s stage career has flourished after the success of his book This Is Going to Hurt, which spent over a year as a Sunday Times number-one bestseller and was later adapted into a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC series. His live performances have drawn crowds of over 300,000 people in the UK alone, including 50 sold-out nights in London’s West End and a record-breaking run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The best selling author’s ability to balance humour with hard-hitting realities has resonated with audiences worldwide, but the whole thing originally started as a coping mechanism, writing in a diary during his medical career.
“At the time, I was just writing down funny stories,” Adam told Newcastle Live.
“But in hindsight, it was my own therapy. You don’t really get taught how to deal with the bad days in medicine.”
His shows are packed with hilarious, often outrageous anecdotes, but they also highlight the challenges and emotional toll of working in healthcare.
“90% of what I do on stage is funny, silly, gross,”
“But I also want to give people something to talk about on the way home.”
Despite his years away from medicine, Kay still sees his work as making a difference for those in the profession.
“Doctors from all over the world have reached out to tell me they thought they were the only ones struggling,” Kay said during our chat.
“That isolation can be crushing. I want to use my platform to change that conversation.”
Kay admits that performing live brings a different thrill compared to writing.
“The ego in me enjoys getting the immediate reaction.
“With a book, it can be a year before someone tells you they’ve read it. On stage, you hear the laughter right away.”
Reflecting on his early performing days, he acknowledged how much he has improved over time.
“Malcolm Gladwell says you need 10,000 hours to master something. I’ve definitely put in my hours—there were years when no one turned up to my shows,” he laughed.
“Now, I’m lucky to have audiences who actually want to be there.”
Kay will touchdown in Australia for the tour off the back of shows in Singapore, navigating the long-haul travel with two toddlers in tow.
“My main tip for flying? Don’t bring toddlers,” he joked.
“I’ve got the iPads and headphones ready, but 24 hours is a long time.”
In addition to his live performances, Kay has a new book on the horizon. His debut novel, A Particularly Nasty Case, is set for release in September 2025, marking his first foray into crime fiction.
“As a doctor, you learn a lot of creative ways to kill people. It’s probably best I channel that into a novel rather than real life.”
Kay also takes pride in using his platform to advocate for healthcare workers, supporting charities such as Doctors in Distress.
“When my first book came out, I started getting messages from doctors saying, ‘Until I read this, I thought I was the only one who had cried in the hospital toilets.
“The fact that nobody talks about it makes things worse. I want to keep raising awareness.”
Adam Kay will bring his This Is Going to Hurt Live show to Newcastle City Hall on Monday, 28 April, 2025. Visit civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for tickets.
