Quick Read
- The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals 2026 takes place at Manchester’s AO Arena on 26 January.
- West End hits like Wicked, Miss Saigon, and Jesus Christ Superstar will perform, with Sam Ryder debuting as Jesus.
- 12,000 free tickets for National Lottery players were claimed within days.
- The event will be broadcast nationwide on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in spring 2026.
- Since 1994, National Lottery funding has supported over 29,000 UK theatre projects.
West End’s Biggest Hits Unite for a Dazzling Night in Manchester
On January 26, 619, the AO Arena in Manchester will pulse with the unmistakable energy of live musical theatre, as The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returns for its fifth year. This isn’t just another awards show or gala: it’s a one-night-only celebration where the most beloved West End musicals and rising stars share a single stage, and the audience is packed with the very people who helped make it all possible — National Lottery players.
A Thank You to the People Who Keep Theatre Alive
Since its inception, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals has been more than a showcase of talent; it’s a vibrant thank you. Over the past 31 years, National Lottery players have contributed more than £1.4 billion to theatre-related projects across the UK. That funding has breathed life into over 29,000 initiatives — from dazzling new productions and backstage training programs, to the restoration of historic venues. The 2026 event is, at its heart, a way to bring together the performers and the public who keep the curtain rising, year after year.
Host Jason Manford, a familiar face to British comedy and musical theatre fans alike, returns to helm the show for the fifth consecutive year. His infectious enthusiasm, both on stage and off, sets the tone: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals for the fifth-year running. The 2026 line-up is phenomenal — some of the biggest shows in the world are coming together for one night only, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it,” Manford said, according to The National Lottery.
Lineup: From ‘Wicked’ to ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ — A Stage Packed with Legends
This year’s show promises a star-studded, genre-spanning roster. Headliners include West End blockbusters like “Wicked” and a new production of “Miss Saigon.” Musical fans will also witness an exclusive performance from “Jesus Christ Superstar,” with chart-topping singer Sam Ryder making his much-anticipated debut as Jesus. Mel Brooks’ irrepressible “The Producers” joins the bill, alongside the empowering “I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical,” starring Alexandra Burke. More big-name productions are expected to be announced as the event draws closer, keeping the air of anticipation alive.
But the Big Night of Musicals is not just about big names; it’s also a showcase for the diversity and depth of UK theatre. Alongside West End giants, the night features performances from National Lottery-funded arts projects, offering a rare opportunity for emerging talent and community productions to share the spotlight.
Free Tickets for National Lottery Players: A Full House, A Grateful Audience
In a gesture that underlines the event’s community spirit, 12,000 free tickets were made available exclusively to National Lottery players. The demand was extraordinary — all tickets were claimed within days, a testament to the appetite for live theatre and the public’s sense of ownership in the UK’s cultural life. While entry was free, a nominal £2 booking fee per ticket applied, keeping the process accessible while supporting event logistics.
For those who couldn’t secure a ticket, there’s good news: the entire Big Night of Musicals will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in spring 2026, ensuring that anyone, anywhere in the UK, can tune in and experience the show’s magic. And for theatre lovers itching for a fix sooner, a special Christmas broadcast will feature memorable performances from the last four years, airing on December 27, 2025, at 6:45pm.
The National Lottery’s Impact: Beyond the Stage
The National Lottery’s role in British theatre is impossible to ignore. Since 1994, it has created more than 7,700 new millionaires and, crucially, raises around £32 million for good causes every week. Its support for the performing arts is not just about glitzy productions — it’s about keeping local theatres open, funding training for the next generation of backstage professionals, and ensuring that the magic of the stage remains accessible to everyone, regardless of postcode or background.
This year’s Big Night of Musicals comes at a time when the cultural sector, still recovering from the shocks of the early 2020s, is searching for new ways to connect with audiences and foster resilience. The event’s blend of glitz, gratitude, and genuine community spirit feels both timely and essential. It’s a reminder that the arts are not just entertainment — they are the soul of a society, and their survival depends on collective effort.
Host Jason Manford summed it up best: “This event is also a huge thank you to National Lottery players whose support keeps theatre alive and accessible. Without their contributions, so many productions, training programmes and venue restorations simply wouldn’t be possible.” (The National Lottery)
With anticipation building and the spotlight ready to shine, the 2026 Big Night of Musicals is set to be more than just a show. It’s a celebration of everything theatre stands for — talent, community, and the power of giving back. And in a world where live performance has never felt more precious, that’s a night worth waiting for.
Assessment: The 2026 Big Night of Musicals is not simply another entertainment event; it’s a vivid illustration of how collective support, channeled through the National Lottery, keeps the UK’s theatrical heart beating. By blending the glamour of West End blockbusters with the stories of community projects and emerging talent, the event underlines the importance of public investment in culture. Its sold-out status and nationwide broadcast underscore a truth often overlooked: live theatre’s survival depends not just on stars and spectacle, but on the shared commitment of everyday people. In celebrating both the stage and its supporters, the Big Night of Musicals stands as a model for how arts and audiences can thrive together, even in challenging times.