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 bringing everyone together.

The show, which will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Radio 2 in March, showcased some of the best of British musical theatre, from Disney’s Newsies, to Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, and beyond. Interspersed with VTs about the work that the National Lottery do, and the importance of the theatre.

As much as I could go on all night about each performance, I’ve left some things for the TV broadcast, and just mention a few special moments that really stuck out for me for various moments.

We Will Rock You was a high-energy explosive opening and really kicked things off with a punch.

The incredibly talented children (and grown adults inexplicably playing children) from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda were just incredible. I have zero doubts that that will not be their last time on such a large stage.

Nathania Ong as Eponine in Les Misérables singing On My Own deserved every moment of her tearful standing ovation. The moment at the end of the song, as she looked at the 12,000 people, on their feet for her, was so powerful. I really felt as though we were part of one of the best moments of her life and what an honour.

I won’t give too much away, but when I tell you I sobbed at Jason Manford himself (and some very special guests) singing From Now on from The Greatest Showman, I cannot overstate how magical it was.

A completely different vibe was the case of SIX doing Haus of Holbein – a really fun choice to do something so different from the usual title song. If this rave-anthem doesn’t have you immediately booking tickets, then you are clearly not ready for the historemix.

Hamilton is one of my favourite shows and so anything they would have chosen would have been amazing to me, but the rousing My Shot was a fantastic choice for a powerful ensemble number.

Special guest Michael Ball had one of the best links – in fact, one of the best televised moments ever, with a group of young people from a group called the Music Man Project, and if you don’t find yourself tearing up just a little, you have, to borrow a line from Jane Seymour in SIX, a “heart of stone”.

When musical theatre royalty Ball then went on to perform Love Changes Everything, the audience were eating out of his hand.

But the standout performance tonight, was Melody Thornton’s performance of I Will Always Love You, from the Bodyguard. The heavy silence, from the entire AO arena, during the first few bars of the iconic song, was enough to give me goosebumps, but the power of the vocals, the range, the tenderness, was just incredible and looking around to see the crowd with lights in the air, was a moment I never want to forget.

A big shoutout has to go to the sign language interpreters who had a lot to convey, in some cases very quickly (Matilda!) but they performed beautifully, really capturing the essence of the songs (the lady who did the rapping sections of My Shot in particular!).

Of course, the show wouldn’t have been anywhere near as breath-taking had it not been for the vast orchestra, conducted by John Ranger. From harps to cellos, there is nothing like hearing this music live.

Overall, a really fun way to spend an evening. Despite it being a TV show taping, the focus was on the audience enjoying the show, more than simply “getting the shot” and I already cannot wait for next year!

Reviewer: Codie Wright

Reviewed: 27th February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★