Big Night of Musicals is back in Manchester next month and there’s thousands of FREE tickets

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Thousands of free tickets are set to be released tomorrow as the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returns.

Now in its fifth year, and having gone on to become one of the world’s biggest annual theatrical events in the process, Big Night of Musicals will once again illuminate Manchester’s AO Arena this winter, hoping to deliver its most ambitious celebration of British theatre to date. 

Hosted by Manchester comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford, the event will bring together lots of the UK’s biggest and most beloved musicals for one extraordinary night.  

Audiences can expect mesmerising performances from some of the biggest musicals across the UK, alongside performances from a range of incredible National Lottery-funded arts organisations, all under one roof.

This year’s brilliant lineup of West End and UK-touring shows include the spectacular new production of Miss Saigon, an exclusive performance from Jesus Christ Superstar with Sam Ryder, ahead of him making his West End debut in the role of Jesus, and the legendary musical comedy, Mel Brooks’ The Producers.

Also featuring is the extraordinary London production of Wicked ahead of its 20th anniversary in the West End later in 2026.

Many more productions are still to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting Big Night of Musicals by The National Lottery for the fifth-year running,” commented Jason Manford. “The 2026 lineup 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.

Big Night of Musicals is back in Manchester next month / Credit: Supplied

“This event is also a huge thank you to National Lottery players whose support keeps theatre alive and accessible. Without their contributions, so many productions, training programmes and venue restorations simply wouldn’t be possible.”

As always, 12,000 free tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as a special ‘thank you’ to National Lottery players.

Each player can reserve up to four tickets (a £2 booking fee applies per ticket) when they go on general release tomorrow afternoon (9 December) at 1pm, and proof of purchase of a National Lottery product is required to secure the tickets.

There’ll also be a ‘pre-sale’ from 9am to midday tomorrow too.

Read more:

Big Night of Musicals 2026 is coming to AO Arena on Monday 26 January 2026.

For more information and to register for free tickets, National Lottery players should visit bignightofmusicals.com

Featured Image – Supplied

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