The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 28 March 2026, featuring performances from major West End shows and National Lottery-funded projects. The event highlights the cultural impact of over £1.4 billion in funding awarded to theatre across the UK.

The fifth National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals concert took place on 26 January at Manchester’s AO Arena. Hosted by Jason Manford, the event showcased performances from West End productions, touring shows, and organisations supported by National Lottery grants.

This year’s line-up includes popular titles such as The Lion King, Oliver!, Sunny Afternoon and Paddington The Musical. Annie and La Voix also feature, with La Voix performing as Miss Hannigan.

A Disney medley honours composer Alan Menken, while a special number involves a National Lottery-funded choir performing alongside The Choir of Man. Other highlights include Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar featuring Sam Ryder, The Producers, Wicked, and I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical, with Alexandra Burke portraying Chaka Khan.

The Big Night of Musicals marks more than three decades of National Lottery funding in theatre, with over £1.4 billion awarded to more than 29,000 projects throughout the UK. This support has been instrumental in sustaining and expanding musical theatre throughout the country.

The programme will air at a time to be confirmed on 28 March 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. A compilation of highlights from previous years is currently available on BBC iPlayer, offering a glimpse into the event’s ongoing celebration of musical theatre.

The broadcast reinforces the National Lottery’s role in shaping the UK’s theatrical landscape, drawing together West End stars and grassroots organisations in a celebratory showcase.