Around The World in 80 Toys
Project to bring 'Around the World in 80 Toys' to Summerhall at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Around the World in 80 Toys
After an accliamed run in Philadelphia, "Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS" has been selected to be presented at Summerhall during the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
WHAT
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” is a theatrical & cinematic adventure inspired by classic movies, magic, micro-cinema and filmmaker Georges Méliès. Theatrical wizard Thaddeus Phillips & 80 eclectic toys star in this charming, haunting and touching homage to the movies.
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” has been created by Phillips and Colombian director Tatiana Mallarino in collaboration with magician Steve Cuiffo, as a burst of light and energy in these crazy times and as a defiant artistic act against AI and the divisions being forced upon us, celebrating the world as that magical space in which we find ourselves and each other.
THE OPPORTUNITY
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” has been given an extraordinary opportunity to be presented at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival at one of it’s most important and respected venues: Summerhall Arts.
Summerhall is a highly competitive curated venue located in a former veterinarian school in Edinburgh. Over the past 10 years it has become the top venue for new experimental, physical and puppet based theater and has become a magnet for theater & festival producers from around the world who could book “Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” internationally.
The challenge is raising the necessary funds. Therefore we are launching this campaign to specifically to fund the following:
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” is a theatrical & cinematic adventure inspired by classic movies, magic, micro-cinema and filmmaker Georges Méliès. Theatrical wizard Thaddeus Phillips & 80 eclectic toys star in this charming, haunting and touching homage to the movies.
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” has been created by Phillips and Colombian director Tatiana Mallarino in collaboration with magician Steve Cuiffo, as a burst of light and energy in these crazy times and as a defiant artistic act against AI and the divisions being forced upon us, celebrating the world as that magical space in which we find ourselves and each other.
THE OPPORTUNITY
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” has been given an extraordinary opportunity to be presented at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival at one of it’s most important and respected venues: Summerhall Arts.
Summerhall is a highly competitive curated venue located in a former veterinarian school in Edinburgh. Over the past 10 years it has become the top venue for new experimental, physical and puppet based theater and has become a magnet for theater & festival producers from around the world who could book “Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” internationally.
The challenge is raising the necessary funds. Therefore we are launching this campaign to specifically to fund the following:
- Venue: $4,750
- Registration Fees: $441
- Housing for Company: $6,350
- Travel for Company: $4200
- Marketing & PR: $800
- Production expenses: $565
All donations are fully tax deductible through our Fiscal Sponsor, Fractured Atlas.
WHO
The Team:
Creator/Designer/Director: Thaddeus Phillips
Creator/Director: Tatiana Mallarino
Magic: Steve Cuiffo
Sound: Ian Vesepermann
MORE DETAILS ON THE SHOW
“Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” is inspired by the true story of Georges Méliès, the father of cinema and special effects. When the camera was invented, Méliès was the first to recognize its storytelling possibilities and created and directed hundreds of groundbreaking films in the early 20th century. However, by the 1920s, he was living in relative obscurity, working in a small toy shop in the Montparnasse train station in Paris.
The performance opens with Méliès in that toy shop, with 80 toys and a copy of Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days." The eclectic collection of objects from the small shop becomes the protagonist of a magical story told through a movie screen and original staging, creating a unique fusion of film and theater. “Around the WorlD in 80 ToyS” combines magic, miniatures, toys, puppets, and ingenious special effects to create a unique theatrical event.
‘A ground breaking fantasy’ – WHYY
‘Layered with whimsy & charm’ – Broad Street Review
‘A dissing, toy sized-world of cinematic imagination’ – Onstage Colorado
‘A wild theatrical adventure’ -Broadway World
Rewards
Wind Up Key
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
In the end, it is the wind up key that makes the toy work, the simplest, non-mechanical part. All donations at this level will be listed on the 80toys.com website as 'Wind Up Key' supporters.
2 claimed
Tin Molder
Donate $100.00 or more
Amount over $5.00 is tax-deductible.
Classic tin toys were first printed in flat sheets, then cut and molded around lead molds.
Each 'Tin Molder' contributor will receive a '80 Toys' fridge magnet in the mail & will be listed in on the '80toys.com' website as such.
Each 'Tin Molder' contributor will receive a '80 Toys' fridge magnet in the mail & will be listed in on the '80toys.com' website as such.
4 / 150 claimed
Rocketeer
Donate $250.00 or more
Amount over $25.00 is tax-deductible.
Georges Méliès first film, 'Journey to the Moon' featured a rocket. Colombian artist, Rafael Phillips Mallarino, has crafted a 3D printed art toy for this campaign. 'Rocketeer's' receive a numbered toy & certificate of authenticity signed by the artist.
1 / 100 claimed
Producer
Donate $2,500.00 or more
Amount over $10.00 is tax-deductible.
Become co-producers of 'ArounD the WorlD in 80 ToyS' for the life of the production, receiving billing online & in print at festivals and theaters the world over. In addition, you will receive a art toy 'Rocket' in the mail.
0 / 7 claimed