The UK Musical Theatre Conference is the nation’s leading conference event examining the musical theatre sector and art form. A day packed with panels, presentations, networking and discussion, the Conference is a rare opportunity to gather together those focused on the creation of musical theatre in the UK and provides a chance to creatively interrogate the issues and opportunities facing the musical theatre industry.
This biennial event is jointly produced by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network – co-producers of BEAM, the UK’s industry showcase of new musicals. A registered charity and not-for-profit company respectively, all proceeds from the Conference are used for supporting the development of the musical theatre sector in the UK.
The 2026 Conference will take place at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a major new 960-seat London venue that opened in May 2025.
A beloved 1930s art deco venue with an incredible heritage, the space has been beautifully restored by Waltham Forest Council in partnership with Soho Theatre and was recently awarded Theatre Building of the Year at The Stage Awards 2026.
We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment – the last Conference in 2024 at the Royal Court sold out in advance, bringing together a significant cross-section of the professional musical theatre industry and featuring speakers including Nica Burns, SpitLip, Nancy Medina, David Byrne, Ameena Hamid, David Brownlee, Anoushka Lucas, DJ Walde, Janie Dee and Jon Gilchrist.
Soho Theatre Walthamstow photos © David Levine. 2024 Conference photos © Lexi Clare.