Luke Escombe is a singer-songwriter, storyteller and speaker who has transformed his twenty five years of living with a chronic health condition into award-winning art and activism. 

He is the creator of Chronic, a musical comedy show inspired by his hospital experiences; Rock and Roll Dad, an ABC radio series based on his musical father's candid deathbed confessions and The Vegetable Plot, a nationally-touring children's band on a mission of Love and Peas. 

Luke is also the exceedingly humble owner of "Sydney's sexiest man voice", an accolade he won in a phone-in poll on a popular radio station (though he doesn't like to mention this unless absolutely necessary...)

Burn the name Luke Escombe in your brain. World-class musician. World-class comedian. World-class show. Brilliant. ”

— Talkfringe, Adelaide

From Musician to Comedian to Keynote Speaker.....

Since the debut of "Chronic" at the 2011 Melbourne Comedy Festival, Luke's unique and refreshing perspective on health issues has seen him become a sought after keynote speaker and MC at events around the world.

He has spoken three times at Parliament House in Canberra, as well as at the New Zealand National Museum in Wellington, the 2012 and 2014 National Medicines Symposiums, the 2013 Pharmacy Australia Congress and the 2017 HealthEvoices conferences in both Sydney and Chicago, to name but a few.

In recent years he has performed his "Chronic Symphonic" keynote at events in New York, London, Vienna, Bangkok and Miami, earning him standing ovations on four continents.

Luke is a proud ambassador for Crohn's and Colitis Australia and The Gut Foundation, a member of the NSW Arts Advisory Panel and the winner of a 2017 WEGO Health Award in the category of "Hilarious Patient Leader". He currently hosts a podcast series about living with IBD called The Bottom End.  

WATCH Luke's video intro below

From musical comedian to kids entertainer and teaching artist...

Since the birth of his son Harry in 2013, Luke's principal creative focus has been The Vegetable Plot, an award-winning musical comedy show for kids, families and foodies.  

Luke is renowned for his ability to communicate serious messages with seriously fun music, and The Vegetable Plot has been his most successful venture to date, performing shows all over Australia, creating award-winning albums and videos and signing a deal with ABC Kids in 2019 for the release of their "Season Two" album, which also earned Luke his first ARIA nomination.  

The success of The Vegetable Plot has led to Luke becoming a teaching artist with the Sydney Opera House's Creative Leadership in Learning Program, and a songwriting mentor with Sydney Children's Hospital's Chronic Illness Peer Support Program or ChIPS. 

In late 2021 he created Veg Plot Productions with the aim of developing The Vegetable Plot into an animated series.  

LEARN MORE about The Vegetable Plot at www.thevegetableplot.com.au

SEE Luke's work as a teaching artist with The Sydney Opera House

WATCH Luke speak about the inspiration behind The Vegetable Plot below

Press Quotes

“Luke Escombe is a rock-soul singer, raconteur, blistering blues guitarist, comedian and songwriter, and is very good at them all. His commanding voice carries echoes of Dr John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Cave and Jim Morrison” - John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald (Oct 01, 2012)

"Burn the name Luke Escombe in your brain. World-class musician. World-class comedian. World-class show. Brilliant" - 
Talkfringe, Adelaide

"Brilliantly satirical...exceptional musical skill" - Alicia Norton, Fringe Benefits (Feb 27, 2012)

“Hilarious...creative and talented ****” - Ellie Willis, Three Weeks, Edinburgh Fringe (Aug 26, 2011)

“Sharp and extremely funny" - Cara Sayer-Bourne, AU Review (Sep 16, 2011)

“Stellar musicianship ” – Herald Sun, Melbourne

"Very funny, clever and charming" - Kate Miller-Heidkon Twitter

 

Testimonials

 'Luke was a real highlight of our National Medicines Awards Dinner – his candid down to earth humour is not only hilariously funny but refreshingly honest and humbling. He is a truly talented individual who has risen above personal adversity to share his experiences and make the world a better place through music and laughter. Luke is a great MC for any occasion.' - Janette Randall, Chair, NPS Medicinewise

"Luke brings a unique perspective to life's challenges and triumphs including dealing with chronic illness and parenthood. His velvety vocals and pithy song writing ability are both engaging and moving. Luke is able to tailor his performance to suit a range of audiences and this makes for riveting entertainment whether you are seeking laughter, tears or simple reflection" - Stefanie Spiers, corporate and government affairs manager, Janssen Cilag

"Luke Escombe is no ordinary entertainer. I have seen him at two 2014 conferences –NPS Medicinewise (Brisbane) and Consumers Health Forum (Melbourne). He had the whole audience in stitches both times, with new material for each occasion. I have only met Luke upon congratulating him after a show, but I’m delighted to recommend him, because he has twice managed to be the best entertainment I have ever seen at any conference. Book him!"  - Dr Justin Coleman, President, Australasian Medical Writers Association

Luke ran a sensational  forum on patient recovery for staff from our Service at RNS Hospital.  Staff absolutely LOVED it and feedback included, “Awesome”, “Left beaming”, “Learned a lot about recovery”, “Inspirational and relevant,” “Best presentation ever”.  Luke has an amazing ability to change the perceptions of living with a chronic illness as well as inspiring and motivating through music and humour. - Dr Glenys Dore, Psychiatrist, Clinical Director Northern Sydney Drug & Alcohol Service.

 

Praise for the Vegetable Plot

"beautifully together, experienced and artfully aware of what excites children...The parents will love the show, because the music is top notch and the overarching philosophy right on point" - Lisa Thatcher

"..every element contributed to the wonderful sound. What really kept me engaged was the sheer level of lyrical intellect and complexity, something that promises to keep the parents entertained while the kids are having a blast..Excellent morals delivered in a wonderful way by passionate people" - What's On Sydney

"We LOVED the show today veggies! The band was amazing and the songs were sooooooo groovy. Buzz and I laughed and tapped our toes and had the best afternoon out. Congrats on a fabulous show!! We'll be telling all our friends about your wonderful music Lah-Lah xx" - Lah Lah