Review: 2026 Big Night of Musicals Delights Audiences
A review of the 2026 edition of the Big Night of Musicals finds it delighted audiences at Manchester’s AO Arena. The show returned in January for its fifth consecutive year. Filmogaz.com attended the event at the 23,000-capacity venue.
Scale, funding and community reach
The National Lottery-backed gala celebrated decades of investment in theatre. Over the past 31 years it has awarded more than £1.4 billion. Those funds have supported upwards of 29,000 theatre-related projects across the UK.
Opening moments and show structure
The Lion King company opened with a striking sequence featuring the Pride Lands puppets. The evening combined large-scale numbers, guest appearances and exclusive premieres. It also offered a look at shows launching around the country.
Notable individual performances
- Ava Brennan delivered Oliver!’s “As Long as He Needs Me,” earning an immediate standing ovation.
- Victoria Hamilton-Barritt performed “Pretty Little Dead Things” as Millicent Clyde, in a performance that turned heads.
- Sam Ryder made his musical theatre debut in the title role of Jesus Christ Superstar. He gave a world premiere interpretation of “Gethsemane” beneath a single spotlight.
West End stars and youth talent
Host Jason Manford guided the evening and introduced many of the highlights. Regional youth groups featured prominently throughout the programme.
Young members of Oldham’s Wild Things Performing Arts joined La Voix’s Miss Hannigan for “Hard Knock Life.” Performers from the Lowry Centre for Advanced Training supported a tribute to Alan Menken.
- Lucie Jones sang “Part of Your World.”
- Trevor Dion Nicholas performed “Beauty and the Beast,” introduced by Luke Evans’ recorded voice.
- Mae Ann Jorolan delivered a stirring Pocahontas number.
Regional theatre and stories
A video segment featured Claudia Winkleman visiting the recently reopened Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. The venue completed a seven-year redevelopment and supports local companies. The piece included National Lottery player Ted and the theatre’s community collective.
In the audience, local businessman Dave Fishwick spoke about his upcoming portrayal in a new musical. The conversation underscored theatre’s role in communal storytelling.
Encores, ensembles and surprises
The full cast of Miss Saigon mounted a powerful set. Seann Miley Moore received particular praise for his portrayal of The Engineer.
The cast of Sunny Afternoon offered a rollicking medley. Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen delivered a spellbinding duet as the show’s iconic witches.
Choirs and new initiatives
Teeside’s Infant Hercules Choir became a standout moment. They joined Jason Manford, Choir of Man’s touring cast, and choir master Mike for “You’re The Voice.”
Mobile phone lights and audience singing amplified the moment. The choir will be among the first to join the West End hit when it tours at Sunderland Empire.
Finale and curtain call
Marc Antolin and Andy Nyman appeared with the glitzy West End cast of The Producers. Alexandra Burke closed the show with a dynamic, Chaka Khan-inspired performance.
The evening ended with a confetti-filled finale and warm applause. For many performers it felt like a career landmark. Filmogaz.com judged the 2026 Big Night of Musicals a triumphant showcase that truly delights audiences.
