REVIEW - THE NATIONAL LOTTERY'S BIG NIGHT OF MUSICALS 2025 | AO ARENA MANCHESTER | 27/01/2025
- Sarah Monaghan
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals at the AO Arena in Manchester was a star-studded celebration of all things theatrical, and what a night it was! From the lively pre-show entertainment to the breathtaking performances, this free event (with only a small booking fee) was a real treat for musical lovers.
The Performances:
The show kicked off with the vibrant cast of the UK tour of Mary Poppins, who brought us a spirited rendition of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Their energy was infectious, and it was a reminder of why Mary Poppins is such a beloved classic. If you haven’t seen it yet, this performance definitely made me want to see the show again.
Next, we had the ever-glamorous Chicago cast strutting their stuff. It’s a show that has divided audiences for years, and while it’s not my personal favourite, there’s no denying the power of the iconic songs like “All That Jazz.” The performance was sharp and polished, showing why this show remains a staple on the touring circuit.
Jason Manford and Daniel May then took the stage to perform “A Musical” from Something Rotten!, with a fun cameo from Michael Ball. Their performance was a playful and hilarious highlight of the night, offering a touch of comedy alongside impressive vocals.
One of the most exciting moments for me was the preview of the upcoming Hercules musical, which will be debuting at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London this June. The cast performed “Go the Distance” and “Zero to Hero,” and I was absolutely sold. The Disney magic was palpable, and I can already tell this show will be one for the books.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the night came from the always-charismatic Michael Ball who teamed up with Our Dementia Choir to perform “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. It was a moving and heartfelt moment that left many in the audience visibly moved, I just wished the choir had a little more time to shine alongside Michael. Regardless, the performance was truly special.
Next up was Calamity Jane, with Carrie Hope Fletcher leading the UK Tour Cast in a vibrant medley of Deadwood Stage, Secret Love, and The Windy City. Their performance radiated classic Western charm and energy, offering the audience a lively taste of this beloved show. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the medley elevated the performance to a whole new level, leaving me pleasantly surprised. I had seen the show earlier in the month and enjoyed it, but hadn't thought it would be one I'd rush to see again. However, this performance quickly became one of my favourites of the night, completely shifting my perspective on the production.
As someone who can’t get enough of Mean Girls (the movie and now the musical!), I was beyond excited to see Georgina Castle perform “World Burn.” She absolutely nailed it, delivering Regina George’s iconic number with the kind of ferocity and emotion that made me even more desperate to see the full show live.
Next, we got a taste of Here and Now: The Steps Musical, with a stirring rendition of “Tragedy.” The show’s UK tour kicks off this summer, and I can’t wait to see it in person. If the performance at Big Night was any indication, it’s going to be a must-see for fans of both the group and musical theatre in general.
Young performers from NK (Stockport) and Capa (Wakefield) lit up the stage with Electricity from Billy Elliott, showing the promise of the next generation of musical theatre talent. Their performance was powerful and moving, showcasing their incredible skill and passion for the craft.
The West End Cast of Titanique brought a fun and quirky performance, offering a comedic twist on the 1997 movie Titanic. This parody musical, which centres around a fictional version of Celine Dion telling the story of the Titanic, uses all of Dion's hit songs. The medley featured two iconic tracks—Taking Chances and My Heart Will Go On—which were performed with humour, energy, and great vocal talent.
Dear Evan Hansen's UK Tour Cast brought an emotional moment with You Will Be Found, showcasing the raw power of the show’s score and the universal theme of belonging.
Marisha Wallace then took the stage and delivered a show-stopping rendition of Maybe This Time from Cabaret. The performance had the audience in awe of her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Finally, the UK Tour Cast of Bat Out Of Hell The Musical closed the evening with their raucous performance of I’d Do Anything For Love and Dead Ringer For Love. The electrifying performance left the audience on their feet, a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable night of musical theatre.
Behind the Curtain:
As well as the incredible performances, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals also offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, offering insight into the making of this production. The show also takes a closer look at Johannes Radebe’s exciting journey as he steps into the world of musical theatre with Kinky Boots. Audiences will get a sneak peek at the future of musical theatre with a preview of some of the highly anticipated shows set to hit UK theatres in 2025.
A Milestone Year for National Lottery Support:
This event marks a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years of National Lottery support for the theatre and performing arts. Over the years, the National Lottery has contributed an impressive £1.3 billion to more than 20,000 theatre-related projects, helping to support and restore theatres while enabling hundreds of performing arts initiatives to thrive. The night is a true testament to the lasting impact of National Lottery funding on the cultural landscape of the UK.
Conclusion:
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals was a celebration of the talent, passion, and dedication that make musical theatre so beloved. With an unforgettable lineup of performances, the event showcased some of the best that the stage has to offer. Whether you’re a long-time musical theatre fan or new to the world of Musical Theatre, this event proved that live theatre remains as vibrant and exciting as ever.
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals airs on BBC One and iPlayer on 22 March at 6.50pm. Make sure not to miss it.
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