The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals is a massive annual concert celebrating the best of West End and touring theatre, with the 2026 event recorded on January 26 at Manchester’s AO Arena. This fifth anniversary production, hosted by comedian Jason Manford, featured a star-studded lineup including Sam Ryder making his debut as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Alexandra Burke in I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical, and performances from blockbuster shows like Wicked, The Lion King, and Paddington The Musical. The 2026 concert is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, March 28, 2026. National Lottery players are the primary beneficiaries of the event, which serves as a “thank you” for the £1.4 billion in funding contributed to UK arts and theatre projects over the last three decades.
Throughout this guide, you will find a full breakdown of the 2026 setlist, behind-the-scenes details of the performances, and essential practical information for those planning to attend or watch the televised spectacular.
2026 Event Overview and Highlights
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returned to the AO Arena in Manchester for its fifth consecutive year, cementing its status as the UK’s premiere arena-scale musical theatre event. Hosted by Jason Manford, the 2026 show was particularly significant as it celebrated the 20th anniversary of Wicked in the West End and featured the world-first live performance of Sam Ryder in his new role for Jesus Christ Superstar.
The evening opened with a breathtaking rendition of “Circle of Life” from Disney’s The Lion King, featuring full puppetry and costumes moving through the audience. A major highlight included a guest appearance by legendary composer Alan Menken, who introduced a special Disney medley. The night concluded with a high-energy performance by Alexandra Burke, marking the launch of the highly anticipated I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical.
The 2026 Performers and Lineup
The 2026 lineup featured a diverse mix of long-running West End staples and brand-new productions making their debut. This variety ensures the event appeals to both traditional theatre-goers and families looking for a high-energy spectacle.
West End Blockbusters
Wicked: Stars Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen performed a moving version of “For Good.”
The Lion King: The London cast opened the show with the iconic “Circle of Life.”
Miss Saigon: The cast performed “Last Night of the World” and “The American Dream.”
New and Upcoming Shows
Paddington The Musical: Victoria Hamilton Barritt performed “Pretty Little Dead Things” from the Savoy Theatre’s newest hit.
Jesus Christ Superstar: Sam Ryder performed “Gethsemane,” a standout vocal performance of the night.
I’m Every Woman: Alexandra Burke closed the evening with a Chaka Khan medley.
Touring and Special Guests
The show also featured Annie starring La Voix as Miss Hannigan, The Producers featuring Marc Antolin and Andy Nyman, and The Kinks musical Sunny Afternoon. A community highlight was the collaboration between the professional cast of The Choir of Man and the National Lottery-funded Infant Hercules Choir.
BBC Broadcast and TV Details
While the live event took place in January, millions of viewers across the UK experience the show through its televised broadcast. The BBC produces a polished, performance-focused version of the arena event, often including exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage not seen by the live audience.
For 2026, the BBC has confirmed the broadcast will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, on BBC One. The program will also be available for streaming and on-demand viewing on BBC iPlayer shortly after the initial airing. Radio listeners can also catch highlights and soundtrack recordings on BBC Radio 2, which traditionally supports the event with special musical theatre programming.
Practical Information and Planning
Venue and Tickets
Location: AO Arena, Victoria Station, Manchester, M3 1AR.
Tickets: Tickets for the live event are typically free but require a £2 booking fee per ticket.
Eligibility: You must be a National Lottery player (over 18) to book, and proof of a lottery ticket purchase (physical or digital) is required at the door.
Getting to AO Arena
By Train: The arena is located directly above Manchester Victoria station, which is served by regional and national rail services.
By Tram: The Metrolink stop at Victoria is the most convenient access point for local travel within Greater Manchester.
By Car: There is an on-site multi-story car park, though fans are advised to pre-book parking during major events like Big Night of Musicals.
What to Expect
Security: Expect rigorous bag checks and security screenings upon entry; large bags are generally not permitted.
Filming: As the event is a TV recording, audience members are expected to be in their seats by 7:15 PM and remain seated throughout the 90-minute show.
No Interval: Unlike a standard West End show, there is no interval during the performance to maintain the flow for television cameras.
The Impact of National Lottery Funding
A core mission of Big Night of Musicals is to highlight the vital role National Lottery players play in supporting the arts. Since 1994, more than £1.4 billion has been awarded to over 29,000 theatre-related projects across the UK.
This funding supports everything from major structural renovations of historic venues to small, community-led youth theatre groups. In the 2026 show, local heroes like Nancy Monaghan from Oldham’s Wild Things Performing Arts were honored as “theatre heroes,” showcasing how grassroots funding helps nurture the next generation of West End stars.
FAQs
When is Big Night of Musicals 2026 on TV?
The 2026 show will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Check local listings for the exact start time.
Where was Big Night of Musicals 2026 filmed?
The event was recorded live at the AO Arena in Manchester on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Who is hosting Big Night of Musicals in 2026?
The 2026 event was hosted by actor and comedian Jason Manford, who has hosted the show since its inception.
How can I get tickets for the next Big Night of Musicals?
Tickets are usually released in early December via the official National Lottery or AO Arena websites. They are free (subject to a booking fee) for National Lottery players.
What musicals were in the 2026 lineup?
The 2026 lineup included Wicked, The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar, Paddington The Musical, Miss Saigon, Oliver!, Annie, Sunny Afternoon, The Producers, The Choir of Man, and I’m Every Woman.
Is Sam Ryder in Big Night of Musicals 2026?
Yes, Sam Ryder performed a world-exclusive first look at his role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, singing the song “Gethsemane.”
Do I need a lottery ticket to get into the arena?
Yes, attendees must bring proof of a National Lottery product purchase (such as a Lotto ticket or Scratchcard) to enter the venue.
Can children attend Big Night of Musicals?
The event is open to families, but the venue notes it may not be suitable for very young children due to the loud noise and the requirements of the television filming process.
Is there an interval during the show?
No, the show runs for approximately 90 minutes without an interval to accommodate the continuous filming for the BBC broadcast.
Will the 2026 show be on BBC iPlayer?
Yes, the full performance will be available on BBC iPlayer for a limited time following the television broadcast on March 28.
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