BEAM2020 To Be Held in Northampton

Musical Theatre Network and Mercury Musical Developments, in partnership with Royal & Derngate, Northampton, today announce the dates of BEAM2020, the third presentation of their biennial industry showcase of new British musical theatre, and that it will take place outside London for the first time.

The decision for BEAM2020, a key fixture within the development of new musical theatre in the UK, to happen in Northampton reflects the nation-wide re-balancing of where new musicals are developed and discovered, with the vast majority of new British musicals first staged outside London, and regionally produced premieres responsible for most British musicals playing in the West End (‘Six’ premiered in Cambridge, ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ in Sheffield, ‘Matilda The Musical’ in Stratford, and ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 ¾’ in Leicester). BEAM has previously been staged in London in March 2016 and 2018, both significant for bringing together an unprecedented number, diversity and geographical spread of musical theatre writing teams from around the UK, to present their new musicals in development to those in the industry with resources to further develop or stage these musicals. To date over 20 of the musicals shared at BEAM have gone on to be fully staged, and writers have found producers, venue partners, investors, agents and development partners as direct results from their presentations at BEAM.

Alongside presentations of around 35 new musicals in development, BEAM includes masterclasses, networking opportunities, and panel discussions. It’s the largest marketplace of its kind – bringing together key industry figures and talent. BEAM will contribute to three years of developing new musical theatre by a consortium led by Royal & Derngate, funded by an Ambition for Excellence grant from Arts Council England.

MMD and MTN want to hear from anyone with an idea for a new musical, or who is already developing one, to pitch for inclusion in BEAM2020. The only eligibility criteria is that at least 50% of the writing team must be resident in the UK, and at least one of the writers must have a track record as a professional artist – but no previous experience of developing a musical is necessary. Please see below for full information on locations and dates of pitching days. More information and online registration forms to pitch can be found at http://www.mercurymusicals.com/what-we-do/beam-2020/ to apply before 9th September. The organisations are also holding two free ‘How to Pitch Masterclasses’ in Manchester on 23rd July and in London on 10th September.

Executive Director of MMD, Victoria Saxton, said today “Showcases like BEAM are vital for writers of new musical theatre to get their work in front of the right people. People often ask ‘where is the British Hamilton or Fun Home?’ Well, you’ll find it at BEAM! The issue in the UK is no longer the talent, the issue now is how to nurture and develop that talent. BEAM 2018 and 2016 demonstrated there is enough exceptional new work in the UK to fill theatres twice over. The two previous BEAM’s have been enormous successes, with over two thirds of work presented going on to be workshopped, produced or commissioned. BEAM2020 is going to be even bigger and better. We can’t wait to show the industry the talent we have here in the UK and for the industry to come together to work out how to effectively develop and produce that work. ”