News
We’re creating a new home at Birmingham Hippodrome
Working more closely with the Hippodrome’s New Musical Theatre department, we plan to maximise the opportunities for the development of new musical theatre creatives and shows.
This is an expansion for us, as we are keeping a secondary base in London, and our staff will be based across Birmingham and London. The UK-wide focus of our development initiatives will continue, as we work in partnership with organisations across the country. We will continue to hold member events in London and continue our relationship with London-based members, while better connecting with members from other regions.
We are jointly funded by Arts Council England as a consortium, and this relocation is part of ACE’s Transfer programme.
Birmingham Hippodrome is a very exciting and ambitious place, and we hope that MMD and MTN members will feel it is a home for them as well. Members will have access to the artists’ lounge for work or meetings, and the opportunity to book free studio space.
James Hadley, Executive Director of Musical Theatre Network, says “Musical theatre’s London–centric history has often made it less accessible to many creatives. Since 2012 most MTN and MMD development initiatives have been outside London, working in partnership with MTN member theatres and partner organisations to diversify who creates new musicals so they’re more reflective of the wider UK population. Relocating our main base to Birmingham Hippodrome is a logical next step to continue building infrastructure for the development of new musicals in the Midlands and throughout the UK.”
Chris Sudworth, Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome, says, “We are delighted to welcome MMD and MTN to join us, as the next step in developing Birmingham Hippodrome as a home and a hub for the UK New Musical Theatre community. We have worked together on specific projects over several years and we look forward to our relationship developing further; and with the relocation of these critical national organisations to our region, increasing opportunities for creatives and communities in Birmingham and beyond.”
Excitingly, we have also announced that BEAM2025 will take place at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May 2025. Pitching days will be held across the country in the autumn, with dates and venues announced in the summer, so watch this space!