National Lottery Archives - North West End UK

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

29Jan

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

On 27th January the AO Arena in Manchester welcomed back The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals. Celebrating 30 years of National Lottery funding for theatre and performing arts across the UK, the event brought together an impressive lineup of West End and touring productions, as well as special guests, offering a night of unforgettable performances. Hosted by the comedic charm that is Jason Manford, the evening featured a series of show-stopping numbers that highlighted the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary musical theatre. The event opened with a ‘Supercalifragalistic’ performance from the current touring cast of Mary Poppins, setting an exhilarating tone for the night. Other show-stopping performances included a first look at Disney’s Hercules, where Luke Brady gave us a p...

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals – AO Arena

The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals celebrates all things theatre, as well as putting a spotlight on those community projects, funded by the big hand itself - many of which are a way to bring the Arts to people who might not otherwise be able to access it. And what a night. I danced - as expected. I sang - as expected. But I didn't expect to cry as much as I did and come out with a bit of a crush on Jason Manford! Manford was our host for the evening and a better man for the job there couldn't be! Unlike other stars I've witnessed at taping (*cough* Cordon *cough*) he was the same person when the camera was rolling as he was when he was between takes. A smooth professional during links but cracking wise with the audience in the small moments of down time, and really bring...

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals Returns to Manchester

For the second year running, The National Lottery is shining a light on the magic of musical theatre by hosting a musical extravaganza at the AO Arena, Manchester, on Monday 27th February. Hosted by Jason Manford, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will feature performances from best-selling West End musicals and touring shows including We Will Rock You the Musical, Wicked, The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical and Aspects of Love featuring Michael Ball The show serves as a special thank you to National Lottery players who have helped tens of thousands of arts projects across the UK and supported over 2,000 theatres through the Covid crisis After the huge success of its first musicals extravaganza last year, on Monday 27th February The National Lottery is o...