Coventry pals raise £17k to take show to Edinburgh Festival

Thirteen might be unlucky for some but Coventry mates Robert Murphy and John Kuzminski are hoping it’s a charm.



They have given up their jobs, set up a production company from nothing and raised £17,000 to take their show, 13 The Musical, to the Edinburgh Festival.

They were both serving up lattes and espressos at a city centre coffee shop eight months ago when they left to set up Xtract Productions.

They are now determined to make Coventry a hit at the world-famous fringe festival this month.

Ex-Finham Park pupil Robert, aged 21, said: “This has been my dream and we quickly realised that we would have to devote all our time to the project if it was going to work.

“We’ve got a 27-strong cast, band and crew, all aged five to 22, and have raised £17,000 to take our professional production to the festival.

“Coventry is fast becoming renowned for producing some fantastic talent and we cannot wait to show what we can do at Edinburgh.”

The two young entrepreneurs have built their production company from nothing and are aiming to make their mark at the biggest drama festival in the world with 13 The Musical.

John, aged 19, from Balsall Common, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people descend onto the streets of Edinburgh to see thousands of shows being performed from straight plays, stand-up comedy, dance, magic and, of course, musical theatre. We want to be part of that.”

The cast, band and crew have organised many different fundraising events over the last eight months including cabaret nights, bag packs, concerts, local gigs, car washes and other events.

John said: “We are still trying to raise £2,000 and would love to hear from any sponsors.”

Many of the Coventry-bred production team will also be off to study at professional stage schools next month following their Edinburgh appearances.

The group is organising a pre-festival preview for Coventry audiences at Woodlands School & Sports College from August 18 to 20 (box office 07716 237 047). They will then be heading to Edinburgh’s C-1 venue.