Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network are delighted to announce details of the UK Musical Theatre Conference 2024, taking place at the Royal Court in London on Friday 12th April. 

This is the UK’s leading conference event considering the musical theatre sector and art form in the UK, produced biennially by the creators of BEAM – the largest showcase of new musicals in the UK. The Conference is a rare opportunity to gather together those focused on the creation and staging of musical theatre in the UK, to network and connect in the breaks as well as debate during the formal sessions. 

It’s the first UK Musical Theatre Conference to be held in London in seven years (following the successful conferences held at Birmingham Hippodrome in 2022, Royal & Derngate in 2019, and Lyric Hammersmith in 2017). 

The industry will gather at the Royal Court to delve into the future prospects for musical theatre in the UK. A day packed with panels, networking, discussions and provocations, the conference is a chance to think creatively about new work development and production, and the broader issues and opportunities facing the musical theatre industry. 

Topics may include: how musical theatre ideas are changing to keep pace with a fast-evolving world, strategies to sustain a flow of high-quality new work, the intersection of musical theatre and new technologies, and radical revivals of older works. Plus, hear visions from new artistic directors, take part in interest-based networking groups and connect with industry colleagues to share experiences and ideas.  

As the theatre industry faces significant challenges, the Conference will consider musical theatre’s potential to invigorate and sustain the industry through difficult times. 

The UK Musical Theatre Conference 2024 is produced by Musical Theatre Network and Mercury Musical Developments. Discounts are available for MMD and MTN members. 

“The UK Musical Theatre Conference is one of the few opportunities to gather together everyone involved with the creation and staging of musicals, from producers to writers to drama school course leaders. It’s where connections are made and ideas are shared, and hopefully everyone will come away energised and inspired.” Natalia Scorer, Executive Director of Mercury Musical Developments

‘It’s significant to gather at the Royal Court Theatre, an iconic venue for new writing, and talk about new musical theatre in the UK at a time of change. The art form of musical theatre is being taken more seriously in the UK, including by the theatre industry’s most dynamic creatives and leaders. New musicals are more relevant to more of the UK’s population than ever before. Conversations have shifted gear for a new era, and we look forward to this Conference being a buzzy update of many of those.’ James Hadley, Executive Director of Musical Theatre Network.