By Kate McKeown
As the UK’s largest showcase of new musicals, BEAM is set to light up the Birmingham Hippodrome this May, Kate McKeown of Mercury Musical Developments sends us a guest piece to uncover how this groundbreaking biennial event is reshaping the musical theatre landscape. With live pitching days, dynamic networking and bold transatlantic collaborations on the agenda, Kate explains why BEAM isn’t just a showcase—it’s the future of new musical theatre.
What is the UK version of the NAMT Festival of New Musicals, you ask? Does the UK even have a NAMT equivalent? And how on earth did you not know it existed? Fear not, because I’m here to introduce you to BEAM—the largest showcase of new musicals in the United Kingdom. This exceptional biennial event is happening this May, on Thursday and Friday, the 15th and 16th, at the Birmingham Hippodrome (yes, outside of New York City AND London—road trip, anyone?!).
My name is Kate, and I’m thrilled to be part of the producing team for BEAM2025, co-produced by UK new musical theatre organizations Mercury Musical Development (MMD) and Musical Theatre Network (MTN), in association with Birmingham Hippodrome.
The UK and US theatre industries are becoming increasingly intertwined. US producers are venturing across the pond to try out new shows, develop work, and engage with the burgeoning UK musical theatre scene. While this collaboration is exciting, there’s a noticeable disconnect in how the US approaches the resources available here in the UK. Too often, US creatives bring their own teams—writers, music directors, directors, cast and production personnel—rather than tapping into the incredible talent pool already established in the UK.
How can US producers and creatives build meaningful collaborations with UK artists if they’re not engaging with the right events and networks? Enter BEAM: a two-day showcase designed to bridge these gaps, foster collaboration and ignite fresh ideas.
What is BEAM?
BEAM is a platform for the boldest and high-quality new musicals in development. Since its inception in 2016, it has become an essential event for the UK’s musical theatre community. BEAM isn’t just about showcasing; it’s about encouraging and developing musical theatre nationwide, highlighting innovative approaches to the art form, and connecting practitioners with industry champions.
With an impressive track record, BEAM has facilitated the growth of over 60% of its showcased musicals into fully staged productions or further development. Olivier Award-winning Operation Mincemeat and West End hit Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) are just two examples of BEAM’s success stories. BEAM ensures that the wealth of talent and creativity in the UK has a real chance to shine. The line-up of writers is truly representative of the UK population—and we even have a few international co-writers in the mix, too.
The journey to this year’s BEAM began last summer and gained momentum in Autumn 2024 when MMD and MTN embarked on a nationwide search for the most exciting new musicals and artists. Unlike NAMT, which holds online submissions, BEAM actively seeks out talent through in-person pitching days held across the UK. Between September and December 2024, we partnered with host venues in 12 towns and cities across the UK, hosting 22 pitching days and watching an incredible 356 pitches. We were joined by 67 industry experts, including producers and programmers, who all contributed to the selection process by serving on panels. Each pitching team received in-depth feedback funded by PRS Foundation, ensuring a valuable experience for all participants. Partnering venues included iconic spaces such as Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, The Lowry, Wales Millennium Centre, Donmar Warehouse, The Other Palace, National Theatre of Scotland, and Everyman Theatre, Liverpool. This national effort ensures that BEAM represents the full spectrum of UK musical theatre talent.
In contrast to NAMT, BEAM showcases a greater number of musicals, most of them at an earlier stage of development. After this year’s rigorous selection process, we’ve chosen 28 innovative projects to feature in the upcoming event. In addition, 12 standout writers will be highlighted in the Artist Spotlights section. Each musical will have either a 15-minute or 25-minute slot to pitch their work, and every Artist Spotlight participant will have 10 minutes to present themselves.
The shorter pitches are particularly effective in the UK, allowing attendees to quickly grasp a show’s essence while sparking interest for further exploration. Alongside the performances, BEAM2025 will host insightful panel discussions to dive deeper into the world of new musical development.
What Can You Expect?
Curious about the 28 shows selected for BEAM2025? While we can’t reveal the lineup just yet (it’s a closely guarded secret!), rest assured the variety will be immense. The showcase includes projects at every stage of development, from early-concept ideas to shows ready for full production. There’s truly something for everyone. Join our mailing list (MTN for producers/venues and MMD for writers) to be the first to see our shows announcement in March.
Notably, 4 of the 28 shows explore American stories and are based in the US. This year also features the highest number of American co-writers in BEAM’s history, reflecting a growing trend of US-based creatives collaborating with UK artists. Supporting this shift, the NAMT Festival programmed two British musicals— (written by MMD members) In Clay and Medusa—for their 2024 festival, marking the most UK musicals ever included in a single year.
For US producers, the Artist Spotlights will be particularly exciting, offering a chance to discover fresh voices that might otherwise remain under the radar. These are game-changing creatives shaping the future of musical theatre.
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Networking Opportunities Galore
Another similarity between NAMT and BEAM is that we also support contacting writers directly, encouraging genuine, one-on-one conversations. Attendees will receive all the information they need to connect with the creatives behind the showcased projects. We highly recommend staying in Birmingham (just 1 hour 15 minutes train ride from London) for the full two days to make the most of the unbeatable networking opportunities.
We’d love to welcome as many members of the US musical theatre community as possible to Birmingham this May. Early bird tickets are currently on sale, with full-price tickets going on sale from March. If you’re interested in a 25% discount, consider joining Mercury Musical Developments (if a writer/composer) or Musical Theatre Network (if a producer/venue) as a member. Both organizations are dedicated to supporting the development of new musicals and would be delighted to have you on board.
Join Us in Birmingham!
BEAM is more than a showcase; it’s a celebration of the talent, innovation, and diversity driving the future of musical theatre in the UK. Whether you’re a producer, writer, director, or fan of the art form, BEAM2025 promises an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars for May 15-16, and join us at the Birmingham Hippodrome for two days of inspiration, collaboration and discovery.
BEAM is a biennial showcase of new British musical theatre writing talent and is produced by Musical Theatre Network and Mercury Musical Developments in association with Birmingham Hippodrome, with funding support from Arts Council England and PRS Foundation.
Tickets to BEAM2025 are available for booking via Birmingham Hippodrome website. Discounted tickets have been released to MMD+MTN members.
Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) is the UK’s membership organisation dedicated to developing new musical theatre writing. Founded in 1992, MMD is a registered charity which nurtures and supports the work of bookwriters, lyricists and composers through a series of initiatives including workshops, masterclasses, professional placements, mentoring and showcasing opportunities. www.mercurymusicals.com
Musical Theatre Network (MTN) brings people and resources together to improve infrastructure and opportunities for new musical theatre in the UK. The membership is a national network of venues, producers, colleges, organisations and individuals. In partnership with its members MTN works to strengthen and diversify the new musical theatre sector nationwide. www.musicaltheatrenetwork.com
As a consortium, both MMD and MTN receive support as a National Portfolio Organisation through Arts Council England.