Dust off your tap shoes and warm up those vocal chords, Londoners – a huge convention celebrating all things musical theatre is returning to the capital this weekend. And the star-studded line-up looks *chef’s kiss*.
What is Musical Con?
Well, in a nutshell, Musical Con is the largest musical theatre fan convention in the whole world. Because us theatre-folk don’t do things by halves, you know? The all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza descends upon the ExCel London each year for a weekend of pure musical theatre bliss. And it’s back again this October, ready to welcome thousands of fans from far and wide to sing their hearts out and dance their socks off. The convention spans 10,000 square-metres and offers over 100 hours of unique programming, celebrating the very best of the West End and Broadway.
Attendees will find a festival-style main stage right at the centre of the convention. This is where performances and interviews with the cast and creatives behind some of the biggest shows will take place. There will also be a seated Backstage Theatre, where visitors can get some exclusive goss from the intimate panel talks and demos.
Guests can expect to see cast reunions, photo opportunities, meet and greets, lip-sync battles, and fan competitions – as well as opportunities to take part in workshops and masterclasses led by huge West End stars. Those interested in persuing a career on the stage will also have the chance to meet with the top schools, colleges and universities – and if you fancy taking home a keepsake or two; there will also be a marketplace brimming with unique fan merchandise.
This year’s line-up
More than 70 special guests will be making an appearance this year, so if you’re musical-mad; this is the place to be. The 2024 line-up will welcome the likes of Todrick Hall, Layton Williams, Lucie Jones, and Shanay Holmes (starring as Nancy in Oliver!) grace the stage. Winners of ITV’s MAMMA MIA! I Have A Dream, Stevie Doc and Tobias Turley are confirmed to be appearing and this year’s Guest of Honour is the Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winner, André De Shields. Bravo, indeed.
Other big names appearing at Musical Con this year include Alice Fearn, Sophie Evans, Miriam Teak Lee, Hannah Lowther, Simon Lipkin and Melanie La Barrie – just to name a few. Musical Con will also welcome to the stage the cast of the fairly new and ever so fetch, Mean Girls.
Musical Con will be taking place at ExCel London on October 19 and 20.
Tickets are on sale now. Find out more and plan your visit here.