Musical Con Returns to London

This October, Musical Con will welcome an estimated 10,000 fans from around the world to mark its fourth year of festivities—no small feat, especially considering its humble beginnings. In just a few short years, this convention has evolved into a must-attend extravaganza, drawing enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious newcomers alike. The fact that it’s held at Excel London is significant too: the venue is known for hosting major pop-culture events, but rarely do they revolve so completely around the singing, dancing, and storytelling that define musical theatre.

Scheduled for the 18th and 19th of October, the 2025 edition promises even more spectacle than ever before. The buzz in theatre circles suggests that top-tier talent, exclusive exhibitions, and riveting workshops will be on the agenda. According to the organisers, this year’s event will spotlight brand-new interactive installations alongside fan-favourite activities. For a convention that’s been described by many as “the place where we belong,” you can expect the atmosphere to be positively electric.

And if history is any indication, the variety of events will be remarkable. Shanay Holmes, currently starring as Nancy in OLIVER!, has teased that 2025’s Musical Con might be its most spectacular outing yet. In her words, “We’re thrilled to be bringing Musical Con back to Excel London for 2025. It is one of the highlights of the theatre calendar and this year promises to be our most spectacular yet.”

Dust Off Your Technicolour Dreamcoat

If you’ve never been to a dedicated theatre convention, you might be tempted to imagine it as a slightly niche affair—perhaps a few autograph tables and costume displays. But that would be a colossal undersell. Musical Con has become the beating heart of a community that thrives on the shared energy of live performances, behind-the-scenes stories, and an unapologetic love for show tunes. And it’s not just private devotees who flock here. Cast members from West End and Broadway productions, creative minds behind beloved musicals, and emerging talent all gather under one roof for two jam-packed days.

Last year alone, attendance grew by roughly 15 per cent compared to the previous event, reflecting a larger cultural trend: musical theatre’s popularity has soared, buoyed by breakout successes like HAMILTON and the ever-growing fandom around MEAN GIRLS. A survey of past attendees found that more than half travelled from outside the UK, underlining the global appeal of musicals. In short, if you have even a passing interest in the art form, Musical Con is where you’ll find your tribe—and possibly discover corners of the scene you never knew existed.

There’s another reason not to miss it: the content on display often includes exclusive previews of upcoming shows. Producers take this chance to generate hype, while fans relish the opportunity to peek behind the curtains. Imagine being the first to see a costume concept from the next big West End revival or learning about a hush-hush production from a composer you love. That’s the sort of insider scoop that Musical Con has become known for.

Inside The Magical Weekend

What exactly goes on inside Excel London during Musical Con? Let’s paint a picture: You walk through the grand entrance, and you’re immediately surrounded by vibrant cosplayers—some dressed as Elphaba, others as Valjean, and plenty in pink homage to MEAN GIRLS. Over in one corner, a marketplace beckons with official theatre merchandise, vintage memorabilia, original cast recordings, and show-themed accessories. People form a queue to snag limited-edition items or to commission a custom piece of fan art.

Then there are the performances. Throughout the weekend, the main stage hosts high-energy showcases featuring everything from well-known West End stars to sensational up-and-comers. Panels and workshops dot the schedule, covering topics such as audition technique, choreography breakdowns, and even how to produce your own fringe musical. Aspiring performers can test their mettle by participating in open mic sessions, while the more reticent observers can attend Q&A panels, gleaning tidbits from luminaries who have graced the stages of OLIVER! and beyond.

Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon an impromptu sing-along in a hallway or a group practising Time Warp near a coffee kiosk. That’s part of the convention’s charm: it’s a safe space for the kind of spontaneous exuberance that musical theatre fans carry in their hearts. And yes, you might even spot a few tears during the emotional tributes to shows that shaped the lives of participants—everyone is united in passion here, so it’s easy to let your guard down.

Past Glories And Future Dreams

Some of the biggest highlights at previous Musical Cons involved high-profile guests. Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner André De Shields once graced the stage to share stories from his illustrious career. Layton Williams—known for electrifying roles in the West End—delighted crowds with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, while cast members from OLIVER!, HAMILTON, and MEAN GIRLS enthralled fans with backstage gossip, performance secrets, and a sense of camaraderie that can only be fostered in the theatre world.

For many convention-goers, these personal interactions are the crème de la crème. It’s one thing to watch your favourite actor on stage from the back row of a packed theatre; it’s another to shake their hand, ask how they approach certain vocal runs, or learn about the muscle memory behind complex dance routines. That sort of closeness bridges the gap between performer and audience, making musicals feel even more vibrant and accessible.

An interesting little-known fact: the convention’s success has prompted a surge in online communities dedicated to theatre craftsmanship. From costume-building message boards to new podcasts devoted to the unsung heroes of stage design, fans have taken the Musical Con spirit home with them, creating year-round hubs for learning and sharing. Talk about a ripple effect!

A 2025 Sneak Peek

So what’s in store for 2025? While precise guest details are under wraps, the producers have hinted at a larger roster of panels focused on directing and choreography, plus an expanded cosplay competition with categories for both classic musicals and brand-new fan favourites. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements involving notable West End veterans—it wouldn’t be Musical Con without a few star surprises, after all.

The interactive exhibitions are also expected to level up. Last year, visitors were treated to a jaw-dropping display of original set pieces and costumes from multiple West End hits, some of which had never been shown publicly. Rumour has it that 2025 will feature glimpses of upcoming revivals, fresh from the design studios. If you’re the type who geeks out at the sight of a meticulously detailed 19th-century coat from a Dickensian musical, you’ll be in your element.

Crucially, tickets go on sale on 28 March. Word on the street is that they tend to vanish quickly—after all, with an ever-increasing number of fans discovering this event, competition for those golden passes can be fierce. Whether you’re determined to snatch a VIP pass for front-row seats at the main stage or you’re content to explore at your leisure, it’s wise to set a reminder.

Embrace Your Inner Theatre Kid

Here’s the unique angle about Musical Con that isn’t always obvious to the casual observer: it’s not just a place to watch, listen, and learn—it’s a reminder that musicals thrive on community. For decades, musical theatre has been an industry that fosters collaboration, empathy, and an almost defiant kind of optimism. The mere act of joining in a group sing-along can feel like tapping into an ancient tradition of storytelling that spans across cultures and generations.

At Musical Con, you can meet people who’ve loved the same shows you do, perhaps for entirely different reasons. You might connect with someone whose life was changed by a single performance, or discover a new favourite production you’d never heard of before. These interactions echo the essence of theatre itself: collective stories that bring people together, forging a brief but profound unity under the stage lights.

Where Magic Meets Reality

Ultimately, if you’ve ever found yourself enthralled by a musical’s joyous high notes or mesmerised by a seamless tap sequence, Musical Con is your realm. It’s a warm, inclusive space that invites you to celebrate the stories and songs that have shaped your life—and the journeys yet to come. Perhaps you’ll wander the halls of Excel London feeling like a part of something bigger, realising that your love of musicals is shared by thousands of equally enthusiastic souls.

And that’s the true magic of Musical Con. It goes beyond the spectacle, beyond the autographs and the merchandise. It reminds us that musicals speak to our deepest longings, our challenges, and our triumphs, often wrapping them in a melody that refuses to leave our heads. If you’re ready to laugh, cry, and cheer in unison with a lively crowd of fellow theatre devotees, then secure your tickets, pack your best costume, and make sure you’ve been practising your favourite show tunes in the shower (or anywhere else that echoes nicely). Because once 18 October rolls around, Excel London will transform into a pulsating tribute to the glory of musical theatre.

So here’s my final question: if you’re not already counting the days until MUSICAL CON 2025, what are you waiting for? This is your chance to revel in the spectacle, absorb the wisdom of theatre veterans, and find your own “place where we belong.” Sometimes, magic really can be found off-stage—and for one weekend in October, it’ll be waiting at Musical Con, beckoning you to step into the spotlight and sing along.