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FEATURE: BEAM 2025: 2 Days of Musical Theatre Community
- Harry Brogan
- May 20
- 3 min read
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I stepped into the Birmingham Hippodrome for BEAM2025. I’d heard it was the place to discover new musical theatre and connect with like minded and industry professionals, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much it would feel like stepping into a little creative bubble of people who all spoke the same language—music, stories, and theatre.
From the very start, it was clear that this wasn’t just another industry showcase. The event was so well organised, you could tell a lot of love and thought had gone into planning it. The schedule was packed, but it never felt rushed. You had time to go from one presentation to the next without feeling like you were missing out on anything, and there were enough breaks to catch your breath, grab all the free drinks, ice cream and lunch (if you remembered to pre order) and make time to chat with other visitors.
On Day One, it all kicked off with a welcome session that set the tone—warm, inclusive, and buzzing with excitement. The main stage hosted a steady stream of pitches, each given about 15 minutes to make an impression. It was like a whirlwind of creativity, with one concept blending into the next. What struck me most was the sheer variety. Some pieces were bold and boundary-pushing, others quietly beautiful. But they all had that raw, unfiltered passion that reminded me why I love theatre in the first place.
Other sessions were dedicated to the professional panels with amazing insights into how directors work, what MMD, MTN are all about plus outstanding artist spotlights, where you got to hear from some of the emerging writers behind the works. They weren’t just pitching their shows; they were opening up about what inspired them, why they wrote what they wrote, and how much it meant to have this platform. It was so intimate and real, like being let in on a secret.
Day Two was just as packed, but the vibe was slightly different—more industry-focused, with panels and discussions about the challenges of getting new musicals off the ground. Writers scribbled notes, pitched ideas, and networked like crazy. But even as someone just soaking it all in, it felt like being part of something. There was this sense that everyone was there for the same reason: to lift each other up, to champion each other’s work, and to be part of the next wave of British musical theatre.
One of the best parts was just hanging around the foyer in between sessions. You’d hear people swapping details, making plans to meet up later, or gushing about a pitch they’d just seen. Everyone was so open, so genuinely excited to talk about what they’d seen, what they were working on, or even just what they loved about musicals in general. It wasn’t cliquey or exclusive; it was just people who really, really love theatre.
And that’s why, if you’re even
remotely interested in musical theatre—whether you’re a writer, a composer, a performer, or just someone who wants inspiration of a good story set to music—you have to go next time. BEAM isn’t just about showcasing talent; it’s about creating connections, sparking collaborations, and making you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Leaving the Hippodrome, I felt a little like I’d just walked out of a theatre school reunion. Exhausted, yes, but also fired up and full of ideas. BEAM isn’t just a showcase; it’s a community. And if you’re a part of it, you know exactly what I mean. The only downfall is it only takes place every two years!! Can't wait to see what comes from this years talent.
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