UK Musical Theatre Conference to return in April

The UK Musical Theatre Conference will return in 2026, taking place at Soho Theatre Walthamstow on Wednesday 15 April.

The event marks the first time the conference has been staged at the east London venue.

Bringing together a range of professionals from across the industry, the conference will examine issues and opportunities facing the musical theatre sector through panels, presentations and case studies.

Topics set to be explored include making musicals for the global market, the evolution of dance in new musicals, data-led analysis of audience trends, musical theatre’s role in the climate crisis, creative visibility in the digital landscape, Black and Global Majority perspectives in musical theatre, the relationship between artificial intelligence and the sector, and embedding accessibility within the development of new musicals.

The conference is co-produced by Musical Theatre Network and Mercury Musical Developments, taking place in alternate years to their BEAM showcase events.

It follows the 2024 edition at the Royal Court Theatre, which organisers said was the best-attended conference to date.

A number of speakers have already been announced, with further contributors to be revealed. Those confirmed include Bristol Old Vic’s Nancy Medina, Dundee Rep’s Andrew Panton, the Lowry’s Matt Eames, Ramps on the Moon’s Michèle Taylor, producer Rafia Hussain, Data Culture Change’s David Brownlee, producer Ameena Hamid, DEM Productions’ Emily Lunnon, dramaturg/academic Sarah K Whitfield, writer/academic Dan Rebellato, Mountview’s Sally Ann Gritton, Writers Guild’s Lesley Gannon, lyricist/librettist/dramaturg Caitlyn Burt, composer/producer Amir Shoenfeld and writer/director Alex Bulmer.

Following the response to the “Provocations: New ideas for a new era?” session at the 2024 conference, the 2026 programme will begin with three provocations, followed by breakout discussions intended to allow delegates to examine possible responses to challenges facing the industry.

Organisers have also expanded the conference’s accessibility provision, with an increased number of free and reduced-rate tickets available for students and freelancers. Measures aimed at improving access for delegates include live captioning for all sessions and a quiet space within the venue.

The 2026 conference is supported by sector partners and sponsored by organisations including Birmingham Hippodrome, Bill Kenwright Limited, Concord Theatricals, Grindrod Burton Casting, James Steel Productions, John Good, Kenny Wax Ltd, Music Theatre International and Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Tickets for the UK Musical Theatre Conference 2026 are now on sale.