The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals lit up Manchester with amazing performances. From iconic shows to local talent, it was a night to remember for theatre lovers.
Manchester: The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals was a blast! For the third year, the AO Arena hosted a night filled with musical magic. It was packed with talent and energy.
Jason Manford, the hilarious Mancunian, hosted the event. The lineup included hits from shows like Cabaret, Chicago, and Mary Poppins. The crowd was buzzing with excitement.
Mary Poppins kicked things off with a lively performance. The cast nailed the famous ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ song. Honestly, just watching them made me feel tired!
Then, Chicago took the stage. Djalenga Scott wowed everyone as Velma Kelly. The audience cheered loudly when they heard ‘All That Jazz’. It was a real showstopper!
One of the night’s highlights was Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir. They sang ‘The Impossible Dream’ with Michael Ball. Their heartfelt performance reminded us how music connects us all.
Local young talent also shone bright. Two groups performed ‘Electricity’ from Billy Elliot. Ruthie Henshall introduced them, and they danced like pros. The future of musical theatre looks bright!
The show also highlighted the arts’ power in communities. A segment from Leeds Playhouse showed how they make theatre accessible. It was eye-opening to see how they support everyone.
Manchester got some West End exclusives too! Marisha Wallace performed ‘Maybe This Time’ and blew everyone away. She’s set to star in Cabaret soon, and she’s ready for it!
Disney’s Hercules gave us a sneak peek as well. Luke Brady sang ‘Go The Distance’, and the Muses brought the energy with ‘Zero to Hero’. It was a treat for the audience!
Closer to home, the cast of Calamity Jane performed a medley of classic songs. Led by Carrie Hope Fletcher, they took us back in time with their beautiful music.
To wrap up the night, Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell closed the show. They rocked the stage with a medley of hits. The crowd loved it, especially when the confetti cannons went off!
The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will air on BBC One and other platforms this Spring. Don’t miss it!
