The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals made its grand return to the AO Arena in Manchester on January 27th, bringing with it an evening brimming with glitz, glamour, and star-studded performances. Musical theatre enthusiasts were treated to unforgettable moments featuring performances by some of the West End’s brightest stars, including Marisha Wallace, Layton Williams, and Carrie Hope Fletcher.
Hosted by the witty and charismatic Jason Manford, the night showcased a range of sensational acts from a variety of beloved West End and touring shows. Highlights included breathtaking performances from shows like Disney’s Hercules, Cabaret, Mean Girls, Dear Evan Hansen, Titanique, Chicago, and Mary Poppins, all united in celebrating the power of musical theatre and the impact of National Lottery funding.
The evening’s performances not only featured renowned West End casts but also showcased fresh talent and rising stars. Marisha Wallace, known for her incredible voice, delivered an emotional rendition of “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret. The performance was introduced by her co-star Billy Porter, who was also on hand earlier in the evening to support Wallace and enjoy the festivities. In addition to this, audiences were treated to an exclusive preview of Disney’s Hercules, set to debut in the West End this summer. The cast of Hercules performed electrifying renditions of “Zero to Hero” and “Go the Distance,” offering a tantalising taste of what’s to come.
A truly heartwarming surprise came when Michael Ball made a surprise appearance, joining the National Lottery-funded charity Our Dementia Choir for a powerful rendition of “The Impossible Dream.” The choir, founded by actress and presenter Vicky McClure MBE, were given the incredible news that they would be performing alongside Ball, a moment that brought joy to everyone involved.
The night continued with exceptional performances, including critically acclaimed Titanique. The cast of this new musical, led by Layton Williams, delivered show-stopping renditions of “I’m Alive,” “Taking Chances,” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Carrie Hope Fletcher’s medley of songs from Calamity Jane further delighted the audience, while Georgina Castle’s performance of “World Burn” from Mean Girls had everyone on their feet. Other highlights included performances from Here & Now – The Official Steps Musical, Chicago, and the cast of Mary Poppins, who came together for a huge rendition of the iconic “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The grand finale was provided by the cast of Bat Out of Hell The Musical, who closed the evening with a dynamic medley of “Dead Ringer for Love” and “Anything For Love,” proving that the evening truly ended in spectacular style.
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals celebrated the incredible role that National Lottery funding has played in supporting the UK’s theatre and performing arts scene. Over the last 30 years, more than 20,000 theatre-related projects have been funded to the tune of £1.3 billion. The funds have helped restore historic theatres, foster creativity, and support hundreds of innovative performing arts projects.
The event not only marked a celebration of musical talent but also recognised the significant contributions of National Lottery players who make all of this possible. The event will be broadcast in the Spring on BBC One, BBC Radio 2, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds, allowing viewers nationwide to experience the magic of the evening.