The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals

The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will once again illuminate Manchester’s AO Arena on 26 January 2026, delivering its most ambitious celebration of British theatre to date.

Now in its fifth year, this unmissable event, once again hosted by Jason Manford, brings together 11 of the UK’s biggest and most beloved musicals for one extraordinary night. This year there will be incredible performances from the likes of Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers, Wicked and I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical, with many more to be announced.

This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the incredible impact National Lottery players have on the performing arts. Over the last 31 years, National Lottery funding has supported more than 29,000 theatre-related projects nationwide, contributing over £1.4 billion towards restoring treasured venues, backing creative initiatives, and ensuring theatre remains accessible to audiences across the UK.

National Lottery players will be able to reserve up to four tickets for free, plus a £2 booking fee applies per ticket and proof of purchase of a National Lottery product is required.  

Doors will open at 6.00pm.  Please allow sufficient time to go through venue security. Attendees must be seated by 7.15pm as the event is being filmed. The event will start at 7.30pm and finish at approximately 9.00pm. There will be no interval, and no readmission will be permitted during the event. It may not be suitable for very young children. Any attendees arriving after 7.15pm may not be admitted or may be reseated. This means that your seats may differ from those confirmed on your ticket(s).