Lineup revealed for the National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals

Emmie Newitt 12 January, 2026, 09:26

The event, now in its fifth year, is an incredible celebration of British theatre that people can enjoy from the comfort of their homes when it airs on BBC One and iPlayer. The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals will be held at Manchester's AO Arena.

the national lottery's big night of musicals lineup 2026 Production images for Oliver!, The Producers and Paddington the Musical.

Hosted by comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford (Something Rotten!), the show highlights the incredible difference National Lottery players make to the performing arts.

Over the past 31 years, their support has helped fund over 29,000 theatre projects across the UK, contributing more than £1.4 billion. This means creative initiatives, venue restorations, and programmes that keep theatre accessible for all are made possible because of National Lottery players.

A fantastic lineup is expected with the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon, an exclusive performance from Jesus Christ Superstar, with Sam Ryder giving us a first listen of what we can expect at the London Palladium this summer. There will also be a performance from the West End's funniest show, The Producers. The cast of Wicked will also be giving audiences a gravity-defying performance ahead of the show's 20th anniversary in London later this year. Alexandra Burke and the cast of I'm Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical will also give a flavour for the new production based on the inspiring life story of the multi-platinum selling and global icon.

Completing the lineup will be Disney's The Lion King, Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning new production of Lionel Bart’s musical masterpiece Oliver!. The smash-hit production of Annie, starring La Voix as Miss Hannigan, takes to the stage ahead of its new UK Tour this year, whilst Sunny Afternoon is about the electrifying story of The Kinks. The West End's hottest ticket right now, Paddington the Musical, will also be performing.

There will also be some bespoke performances, including a very special Disney medley, and a brilliant number featuring a National Lottery-funded choir alongside the musical The Choir of Man, which recently closed in the West End (but is touring across the UK this year!)

The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals will be broadcast in Spring 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For those who just can’t wait, you can catch Biggest Night of Musicals by the National Lottery on BBC iPlayer, a special episode featuring some of the most memorable performances from the past four years of Big Night of Musicals by the National Lottery.