We are Godfather Death: A Grimm’s Musical. An award winning new musical from Scottish brothers Jack and Finlay Avison. We dropped DEAD with excitement when we found out we had a slot to return to the Edinburgh Fringe this year, help us get there!
The show…
Based on a little-known Grimm’s fairytale, Godfather Death is an award-winning and gleefully macabre new musical exploring mortality, healthcare and class. When, in desperation, a mother seeks a Godfather for her 13th child, Death takes her boy under their wing and offers him a gift - the power to tell whether someone will live or die. Eager to keep those he loves alive but tempted by the accompanying fortune, we follow the boy’s encounters with the ill, the dying and death itself.
Winner: Offfest Best Musical at Edinburgh Fringe 2023. ***** (BroadwayBaby), ***** (EverythingTheatre), ***** (BingeFringe).
Who are we…
We are brothers who grew up together in Dundee, and this show has been a gift that has allowed us to work together; collaborating on music, story and, scripts, each bringing their own experience and passions. We are so proud of the show, how far it has come and of each other; it is not too long ago we were having phone calls discussing musical themes or editing scripts in our parents’ garden, dreaming of one day being able to perform the show on stage.
The fact that this project has grown to include a team of eight wonderful, young Scottish performers, writers, directors, producers and musicians, is a huge privilege. We are thrilled to have such a talented group involved, and we are incredibly passionate about showcasing original Scottish work and platforming emerging Scottish performers.
In 2023 we debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe as a free show to rave reviews. Don’t believe us? Here are some quotes:
“I have never left a musical in higher spirits... everyone needs to see this show” - Broadway Baby
“This musical is just starting its journey, and I’m confident it will achieve even greater success: Jack and Finlay Avison have created a killer show!” - Everything Theatre
“The musical calibre on display is utterly unbelievable, totally engrossing, and at points foot-stompingly menacing….” - Binge Fringe
The fundraiser
We want to be transparent about what your donations will go towards; everything you donate goes directly to the cast and crew that have put so much into this show and make it possible.
£1000 would go towards transport costs for our performers not already based there getting to and from Edinburgh for 15 shows plus tech/get-in.
£450 would be invested in a lighting designer to come and make sure the show looks drop dead gorgeous!
£300 would go towards running a marketing campaign in the lead up to the Fringe, printing posters and flyers but also running targeted social media ads and filming promotional content.
£250 would go towards investing in quality design elements including candles, blackboard and Death’s chair.
We are an entirely self-funded show, and while the Fringe is a wonderful festival and we love taking part, it is a big financial gamble for everyone involved. Your donations directly help Scottish creatives looking to create art that we are passionate about and bring it to a worldwide audience!
Thank you!