Aim

A new musical that reimagines one of the defining moments in American history through music, theatre, and circus.

Developed from years of original historical research at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Brown University, the musical explores the intertwined lives of Abraham Lincoln, Edwin Booth, John Wilkes Booth, and P.T. Barnum. Rather than simply retelling the assassination, it examines how history becomes memory, how national myths are created, and how performance shapes the stories societies choose to remember.

Narrated by Barnum as a master of ceremonies guiding audiences through a "circus of memory," the show combines an original live score with theatrical spectacle to ask timely questions about democracy, political violence, celebrity, and historical legacy.

Following workshops and development in the UK and United States, we are thrilled to be bringing the production to the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Why This Story Matters

Although set in 1865, 1 Night at Ford's Theatre speaks directly to today's audiences.

The musical explores questions that remain deeply relevant: How do democracies respond to political violence? Who controls historical memory? What responsibility do artists and storytellers have in shaping the narratives we inherit?

Rather than presenting history as something fixed, the production invites audiences to consider how public memory is continually created through performance, commemoration, and storytelling.

Alongside our performances, the first three shows (7–9 August) will feature post-show discussions led by writer and historian Kaely Michel-Gualtieri, giving audiences the opportunity to explore the original archival research behind the production and engage with the historical questions that inspired the musical.

We hope to reach theatre lovers, history enthusiasts, educators, students, and anyone interested in seeing contemporary musical theatre tackle complex historical subjects in an engaging and accessible way.

Why We Need Your Support

Bringing a new musical to the Edinburgh Fringe is an incredible opportunity, but it also comes with significant financial challenges.

As a predominantly student and early-career company, every member of our team is investing their own time and resources to make this production happen. Our goal isn't to make a profit—it's simply to make it possible for our cast and creative team to attend the Fringe and share this work with international audiences.

Every contribution will go directly towards essential costs, including:

• Accommodation
• Travel and transport
• Marketing and publicity
• Technical and production costs
• Costumes, props, and set

The Edinburgh Fringe is one of the world's greatest platforms for new theatre, but the costs of participating can be prohibitive for emerging artists. Your support helps remove those barriers, allowing a company of passionate students and young professionals to present an ambitious new musical grounded in years of historical research.

By supporting this campaign, you're investing not only in 1 Night at Ford's Theatre, but also in the next generation of theatre-makers. Every donation helps us bring this story to Edinburgh and present it to the highest standard possible.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st August 2026 at 12:00pm