UK MUSICAL THEATRE CONFERENCE returns after three years

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the UK Musical Theatre Conference will return next month, hosted by Birmingham Hippodrome on 16 May.

Produced by Musical Theatre Network & Mercury Musical Developments, in association with Birmingham Hippodrome, this national gathering is focused on developments in the musical theatre sector and art form.  

This year’s Conference looks at key areas of evolution in musical theatre, with discussions on staging prospects, approaches to inclusivity, musicals developed in collaboration with specific local communities, and musicals based on the real lives of their subjects. 

Confirmed speakers so far include artistic director Suba Das (Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres), senior programmer & producer Matthew Eames (The Lowry), rapaturg Gerel Falconer (Black Power Desk), writers Francesca Forristal and Jordan Clarke (Public Domain), producer Ameena Hamid (The Wiz), academic Pamela Karantonis (Goldsmiths), director Angharad Lee (The Last 5 Years), creative Meg McGrady (The Phase), writer Leo Mercer (Guy), director Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE (Tommy), legal expert Stephen Pidcock (Clintons Solicitors), Director of Artistic Programme Chris Sudworth (Birmingham Hippodrome), writer Rachel Victor-Sampson (Royals & Rebels), composer Tim Sutton (To the Streets!), producer Danielle Tarento (Titanic) and writer DJ Walde (Sylvia) - subject to change. 

Producers Neil Marcus of Mercury Musical Developments and James Hadley of Musical Theatre Network said: “After two years of almost all MMD and MTN’s events being held online, we are planning the 2022 UK Musical Theatre Conference as a solely in-person event. This is in keeping with past Conferences and the rare opportunity they offer for gathering together those focused on new musical theatre in the UK, with the new connections and conversations that emerge from tea and coffee breaks being often as important as the shared debate of the formal sessions. We recognise Birmingham is not local to everyone who will want to attend, and are planning session times to allow for travel on the day.” 

Producer & MTN board member, Katy Lipson added: "The UKMT Conference is a fabulous opportunity for people across all areas of the new musical sector - writers, dramaturgs, producers, venue leaders and programmers, as well as supporters - to meet and connect. After the last few years we've had, being able to bring a large group of us together in one room and connect about the ways we move forward and develop new work in the ever-changing climate is integral to our continued success. Days like UKMT Conference - and the connections forged there - always leave me renewed, energised and excited for the work and opportunities we're creating."  

To book, please click here.