BEAM is a key part of Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network’s mission to support the development of new musical theatre. It is a two day showcase event, preceded by a series of pitching days through which new work and artists are identified. BEAM is designed to encourage and develop musical theatre across the UK, discovering and supporting diverse approaches to the art form, connecting practitioners and finding champions for original work.
Those who attended the first BEAM at the Park Theatre, London in 2016 likened it to a “Woodstock moment” for new British musicals, due to the excitement generated around the quality and diversity of talent showcased. Those presenting work praised the supportive, non-competitive environment where they could showcase their ideas alongside peers, build new relationships, and move forward with a renewed sense of community and pride in the new writing sector of UK musicals. Further successful BEAM showcases took place in 2018 at Theatre Royal Stratford East, and Hackney Empire in 2021 (postponed from Royal & Derngate in 2020).
Over 60% of the new musicals showcased have gone on to be produced or further developed, mostly with support found at BEAM. Whether you’re a writer, producer or supporter of new British musical theatre, you will want to be part of BEAM2023 in May 2023. Tickets will be on sale from early 2023.
BEAM is co-produced by Musical Theatre Network & Mercury Musical Developments, with funding support from Arts Council England and PRS for Music Foundation.