Tickets on sale for biggest showcase of new musicals in the UK

Musical Theatre Network, Mercury Musical Developments and Oxford Playhouse have announced that tickets are now on sale for BEAM2023, the fourth presentation of the biennial industry showcase of new British musical theatre, at Oxford Playhouse on 25 & 26 May. 

BEAM2023 is the UK’s biggest showcase of new musical theatre. This exhilarating two-day event showcases the most exciting, bold, diverse and high-quality new musicals being created. Selected from an extensive nationwide search, excerpts from 29 shows in development will be presented, alongside provocative and insightful panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

As the largest gathering of the UK new musical theatre community, BEAM2023 brings together producers, writers, composers, venues, investors, agents and development partners for two days of inspiring content. To date, over 35 musicals from previous BEAMs have gone on to be fully staged, including new West End arrival Operation Mincemeat.  

Previous BEAMs, taking place in 2016, 2018 and 2021, assembled an unprecedented number, diversity and geographical spread of musical theatre writing teams from around the UK and facilitated numerous connections, commissions and collaborations. Over 60% of shows presented have gone on to further development opportunities as a result of BEAM. Writers and shows featuring in BEAM2023 will be announced in late March. 

Presenting the showcase outside of London for the first time reflects the nationwide re-balancing of where new musicals are developed and discovered, with the majority of new British musicals now first staged outside London, including those which go on to West End runs (such as The Great British Bake Off and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie). In May, Musical Theatre Network, Mercury Musical Developments and Oxford Playhouse will welcome all those with an interest in the development of new musicals from around the UK and the world. BEAM2023 will celebrate the art form of musical theatre and introduce audiences to the potential hit shows of tomorrow. 

Interim Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Playhouse, Jamie Chapman Dixon, said: “We are excited to work alongside MMD and MTN to bring BEAM2023 to the Oxford Playhouse this spring. We have a strong history of commissioning new work and hosting this year’s showcase seemed like the perfect fit for our goals and ambitions.”  

Tickets for BEAM2023 are now on sale here.