Big Night of Musicals 2026 Set to Dazzle Manchester with Star-Studded West End Showcase
Britain’s Premier Musical Theatre Event Returns
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will take place at Manchester’s AO Arena on 26th January 2026, marking the fifth year of this spectacular celebration of British theatre. Hosted by comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford, the event promises to be the most ambitious theatrical showcase to date, bringing together some of the world’s most beloved musicals for one unforgettable evening.
A Thank You to National Lottery Players
This remarkable event serves a meaningful purpose beyond pure entertainment. The show serves as a special thank you to National Lottery players who have helped contribute over £1.4BN in funding to more than 29,000 theatre related projects in the UK over the last 31 years. As a special thank you, 12,000 FREE tickets to this incredible event were made available to National Lottery players on a first-come, first-served basis, though all of these tickets have now been claimed.
Star-Studded Line-Up Announced
The 2026 edition features an impressive roster of West End and touring productions. The spectacular lineup includes the new production of Miss Saigon and an exclusive performance from Jesus Christ Superstar, with Sam Ryder making his debut as Jesus. Also featured will be the hit West End revival of The Producers, blockbuster long-running West End show Wicked, and I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical starring Alexandra Burke, with additional shows to be announced in coming weeks.
Broadcasting and Future Impact
The fifth installment of The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in Spring 2026. For theatre enthusiasts unable to attend in person, this broadcast ensures the magic reaches audiences nationwide. The event continues to highlight the vital role National Lottery funding plays in keeping British theatre vibrant, accessible, and world-class, ensuring future generations can experience the transformative power of live musical theatre.