The BBC has confirmed the recording of their annual National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 28 March at 7.45pm.

Hosted by Jason Manford, the ever popular celebration of the best of musical theatre was filmed in front of a live audience at the AO Arena in Manchester on Monday 26 January.

Highlights include an exclusive performance of ‘Gethsemane’ from Jesus Christ Superstar by Sam Ryder, making his debut as Jesus and Alexandra Burke as music legend Chaka Khan in I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical.

The line-up also includes a preview of the new production of Miss Saigon, as well as songs from Wicked, The Lion King, Oliver! and Paddington The Musical. There’s also an exclusive Disney medley performed by West End stars Lucie Jones, Mae Ann Jorolan and Trevor Dion Nicholas.

The event will also feature specially choreographed collaborations with local National Lottery-funded performing groups: Stockton-on-Tees men’s choir Infant Hercules with Jason Manford and the cast of The Choir of Man as well as a preview of La Voix’s performance as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming touring production of Annie performing alongside Manchester’s Wild Things Performing Arts.

Host Jason Manford said: “This event is all made possible because of National Lottery players whose support has raised over £1.4BN for theatre related projects in the UK, which keeps theatre alive and accessible. The 2026 line-up is phenomenal, some of the biggest shows in the world are coming together for one night only, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”

National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals | Winners and good causes | The National Lottery