On March 28, 2026, the Manchester AO Arena was transformed into a dazzling celebration of theatre, music, and community spirit as The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returned for its fifth consecutive year. With an audience of 12,000 filling the arena and millions more tuning in on BBC One and iPlayer, the event showcased the very best of West End and touring musical theatre, while also shining a spotlight on grassroots talent and the far-reaching impact of National Lottery funding.
Hosted once again by Manchester-born comedian Jason Manford, the evening was packed with show-stopping performances from some of the UK’s most beloved productions. From the majestic opening number by the cast of The Lion King—which left many viewers in tears—to exclusive previews of new shows and unique collaborations, the event had something for every musical theatre fan. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Manford described the experience as "just a real honour to be part of it, and to watch all the moving parts and see everything going on backstage, as well as what's happening on stage."
This year’s line-up was a veritable who’s who of the theatre world. Audiences were treated to performances from Wicked, The Producers, Oliver!, Miss Saigon, Sunny Afternoon, Paddington The Musical, and Annie—with Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix making her debut as the infamous Miss Hannigan. Alexandra Burke, the former X Factor winner, brought the house down as Chaka Khan in I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical. And in a much-anticipated world exclusive, Eurovision star Sam Ryder took on the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar, offering a taste of his upcoming stage debut.
But it wasn’t just the established stars who stole the show. As BBC News and the Manchester Evening News highlighted, the event also celebrated the next generation of performers. Young dancers from Salford’s Lowry CAT programme and Oldham’s Wild Things performing arts group graced the stage, sharing the spotlight with West End and Broadway veterans. Ten CAT performers, aged 13 to 17, participated in a Disney medley alongside acclaimed artists Trevor Dion Nicholas, Mae Ann Jorolan, and Lucie Jones. Jack Hilton, coordinator for the Lowry CATs, expressed his pride: "Performing on stage, working with an internationally acclaimed choreographer, what an experience for us all. It was beyond exciting, we had some very giddy young people. It was the first time they have performed to a crowd that large."
Manford himself was effusive in his praise for the young talent, calling them the "real magic" of the evening. "To see it on stage, to actually see these kids get up there—we had a lot of kids performing with La Voix for Annie, and then we had really fantastic kids from some other groups performing in a Disney medley, that's the real magic. That's the real moment where everything comes together," he told the press. "For those kids, looking at their faces, knowing that their parents are in the audience, families and friends, I just think, what a moment this is. This is something that doesn't happen to most people, and it's happened to you and you’re nine. I mean, if that doesn't spur them on, if that doesn't put a fire in their belly to go, I like that, I want to do that again. That's why it's so special."
Among the most heartwarming stories of the night was the journey of Infant Hercules, a pub choir from Stockton-on-Tees. Founded in 2013 to encourage men to talk about their mental health, the choir originally attracted just 15 members with the promise of a free drink. Now boasting over 140 voices, they performed at the Big Night of Musicals, captivating the massive Manchester audience. Choir member Lee Bainbridge, who had never set foot in such a large arena before, described the experience as "spellbinding and mind-blowing." He marveled, "How does a group of blokes from Stockton end up on stage in front of thousands of people?"
The choir’s founder, Mike McGrother, reflected on the surreal nature of sharing the bill with stars like Sam Ryder and the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. "After the dress rehearsal I asked who do we follow, only to be told it was Sam Ryder and the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar," he recalled. "I just shook my head and wondered how we'd follow such a phenomenal vocalist." Despite their nerves, the choir was met with warmth and support from both the audience and fellow performers. "It was a truly magical night," McGrother added, noting that the crowd rose to their feet, waving their phone lights in support.
Infant Hercules’s story is just one example of how the National Lottery’s support has rippled through communities across the UK. According to BBC News, over the past 31 years, more than £1.4 billion has been awarded to over 29,000 theatre-related projects. The Big Night of Musicals not only entertains but also highlights these stories of transformation and hope, reminding viewers of the power of the arts to bring people together and change lives.
The show’s format, focusing on live performances rather than pre-recorded clips, was met with enthusiasm from viewers. Social media was abuzz minutes into the broadcast, with fans expressing everything from joy to tears. As reported by the BBC, one viewer wrote, "Been looking forward to this #BigNightofMusicals," while another commented, "Love Big Night Of Musicals on BBC1 but I’m in floods of tears as they started with Lion King." The emotional resonance of the performances was undeniable, with many declaring that even the most skeptical would be moved by the spectacle.
Backstage, the sense of camaraderie and excitement was palpable. Sam Ryder, reflecting on the night, said, "I love being around good singers, because it makes you want to up your game. It’s all about tone for me as well. If someone's got that tone, it's not always about the riffs and runs. That's what I like musical theatre for because you focus more on the story and the emotion. That really is the heart and soul of singing. I love being around all of this and I’m enjoying every single minute."
For many, the Big Night of Musicals offered a much-needed escape and a reminder of the joy that comes from shared experiences. As Manford put it, "It's the thing that makes us human, to be joyous and celebratory and to tell stories and to sing and dance, and no one else, no other species are doing it. So I think for us, it's important."
With performances that ranged from the uplifting to the deeply moving, and stories that spanned from local choirs to West End legends, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals 2026 was a testament to the enduring power of theatre—and the communities it inspires.