Now in its third year The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals is evolving away from attracting audiences made shy of public performances by the COVID pandemic back to live theatre towards a more general celebration of live entertainment and a means of acknowledging and rewarding the activities of Lottery patrons and workforce. Yep, as the UK reels in disgust and anger at the appalling treatment of postmasters by the Post Office, The Big Night publicly recognises the 30-year contribution of Graham Simpson, usher at Edinburgh’s Capital Theatre. Treating the workforce with respect and rewarding their achievements? It’ll never catch on.
The Big Night of Musicals centres on live performances but also features information-style film breaks and interviews promoting coming attractions and showcasing the work of groups funded by The National Lottery. With the latter, the show is not just talk. An astonishing live performance of "Seasons of Love" from the pupils of Luton’s Next Generation Youth Theatre and Salford’s Pendleton School of Theatre doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house and would probably work just as well without the vocal contribution from superstar guest Beverly Knight.
Master of Ceremonies Jason Manford takes every opportunity to remind the audience and television viewers of the way in which taking part in theatre groups and community arts projects helps young people build confidence and social skills. It is to be hoped our selectively deaf and permanently stupid politicians will take the hint and cough up some funds, but that is probably too much to hope.
Manford is the perfect MC, shamelessly playing to the home crowd in Manchester. He turns a blind eye to the audience booing when mention is made of the best forgotten region known as Yorkshire and remarking how having a Scouse accent somehow makes the actor playing The Wicked Witch of the West even more convincingly evil.
The performances are not simple renditions of the songs from musicals but full routines with choreography and special effects. Pyrotechnics emit blasts of flames and cascades of sparks, glitter cannons are in full use, acrobats swing over the heads of the audience, the Phantom of the Opera (introduced by Manford as ‘the original masked singer’) glides across the stage in his boat and the climax, with the audience showered in pink confetti and ribbons, is ridiculously and wonderfully over the top. The audience is encouraged to take part, waving glowing mobile phones during the more sensitive numbers.
Inevitably, most of the shows featured come from the West End, but the regions are represented by selections from Curve Theatre, Leicester and the Crucible in Sheffield. Manchester, where the show is staged, is not represented, but even the most fanatical Mancunian would struggle to make a case for the inclusion of I Should Be So Lucky. Perhaps, if The Big Night of Musicals is staged in 2025, 42 Balloons, for which The Lowry has high hopes, will be on the bill.
A full orchestra, conducted by John Ranger, provides fine backing for the vocals. Such lush backing means the synthesizers, which really date The Phantom of the Opera, are not required and an intimate version of "Over the Rainbow" is enhanced by a full vocal chorus.
The staging of the routines is audacious. A Chorus Line begins with the male performers alone onstage with the women gradually filtering through the audience to join the high-kicking routine. A decidedly lascivious “You Ain't Never Had A Friend Like Me” sung scat style gives the impression Disney’s Aladdin may not be just for children.
The show turns potential weakness into strengths. As Hamilton is still going strong down the road at The Palace Theatre, full cast participation is not possible. However, the solo “You’ll be Back” turns out to be the one song of the show it is impossible to get out of your head.
A showstopping version of “Bring Him Home” with various actors who have played Jean Valjean in Les Misérables alternating verses is only slightly spoilt by the identity of a surprise superstar vocalist having been revealed in the advance publicity for the television broadcast.
The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals is moving beyond the original concept and now celebrates the benefits of involvement in live entertainment and arts projects. So, a social message—with songs.
The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals is broadcast on BBC 1 on 27 January 2024.