For the 5th year running 12,000 people packed into the AO Arena to witness some of the best musicals from West End and touring companies. Hosted once again by Manchester’s own Jason Manford this was the biggest production to date.
Opening with the unmistakeable The Lion King, and Circle of Life, the arena was transported to the African savanna, a stunning opening to a stunning treat for musical theatre fans.
Ava Brennan followed with an emotional version of As Long As He Needs Me from the current West End revival of Oliver. This was followed by a powerful medley from Miss Saigon who had brought their entire touring cast to Manchester led by Seann Miley Moore, the Engineer whose performance of American Dream will live long in this reviewer’s memory soaring high above the stage.
Taking a break from the Strictly Come Dancing tour which visits Manchester next week La Voix debuted the role of Miss Hannigan ahead of the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Annie. La Voix was joined on stage by the young cast members as well as members of Oldham’s Wild Things Performing Arts performing It’s the Hard-Knock Life.
The touring company of Sunny Afternoon took us back to the 60’s before the cast of The Producers filled the stage performing I Wanna Be A Producer. Lucie Jones led a trio of West End stars with a Disney tribute to the legendary composer Alan Menken which began with a personal message from the man himself. Also featuring on stage were impressive young performers from RNCM, The National Youth Music Theatre and The Lowry Centre for Advance Training, stars of the future for sure.
One of the hottest tickets in the West End this year, Paddington brought us Pretty Little Dead Things which showcased the incredible music from this must-see show. The touring cast of The Choir of Man joined forces with Jason Manford and male voice choir Infant Hercules from the north east to perform one of the most heart-warming numbers of the night.
Emma Kingston and Zizi Strallen performed For Good from Wicked, before Alexandra Burke led the cast of I’m Every Woman in a rousing finale ending with pyrotechnics and more confetti I have ever seen in a theatre before.
I leave one performance until last. I have been a fan of musical theatre for over 40 years and tonight I witnessed what I believe was the single best performance I have had the pleasure of ever hearing. 12,000 people tonight saw Sam Ryder premiere his version of Gethsemane from the upcoming revival of Jesus Christ Superstar this summer at the London Palladium. The power and control Ryder displayed was simply insane, I am surprised the roof is still on the AO Arena tonight. Sensational!
The whole production, for one night only and to be televised on the BBC in March was a joy to be a part of. The number of people who work on such a production need to be recognised as much as those who shone on stage. Manchester is lucky that The National Lottery chose Manchester for this now annual celebration and long may it continue.
Reviewer: Paul Downham
Reviewed: 26th January 2026
North West End UK Rating: