The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returned for its fourth consecutive year in January at the AO Arena in Manchester, marking 30 years of National Lottery support for the theatre and performing arts.
The show, hosted by Jason Manford, set to be broadcast on BBC One on 22 March at 18.50, showcases the breadth and talent of the UK's vibrant theatre scene.
Many nation's premier West End and touring productions take to the stage, delivering beloved musical numbers and offering enticing glimpses of upcoming shows. The evening is a tapestry of diverse performances, from classic show tunes to contemporary hits, all brought to life by exceptional talent.
Daniel Mays joins Manford for a special musical collaboration, while Marisha Wallace delivers a powerful rendition of "Maybe This Time" from "Cabaret." Layton Williams injects a dose of humor with a performance from the new comedy "Titanique."
A touching moment sees Vicky McClure's Our Dementia Choir collaborate with Michael Ball on a classic song, and a group of rising stars from "Billy Elliot" delivers a special performance, highlighting the future of musical theatre. Billy Porter, Ruthie Henshall, and Faye Tozer make guest appearances, and Carrie Hope Fletcher transports the audience to the Wild West with a performance from "Calamity Jane."
The event features show-stopping numbers from the casts of "Chicago," "Mary Poppins," "Mean Girls," and a UK television premiere from Disney's "Hercules." The lineup also includes captivating performances from "Here and Now: the Steps Musical," "Jim Steinberg's Bat Out Of Hell," and "Dear Evan Hansen."
Beyond the stage performances, the show offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Strictly's Johannes Radebe's musical theatre debut in "Kinky Boots," and provides a sneak peek at the exciting theatrical productions slated for the year ahead.
Photo: BBC/TBI Media