Big Night of Musicals 2026: Full songs, stars, and how to watch on BBC One

Your ultimate guide to Big Night of Musicals 2026

Get the popcorn ready! The West End took over Saturday night TV on 28 March, as the BBC broadcasted the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals 2026. Whether you’re tuning in for Sam Ryder’s Gethsemane or the first-look footage of Paddington, here is your complete guide to the performances, the setlist, and how to book tickets to the shows featured.

How to Watch: Broadcast Details

Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
Time: 7.45pm – 9.15pm
Channel: BBC One & BBC One HD
Streaming: Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Latest Updates

Gallery: The best moments from Big Night of Musicals 2026 on the BBC
Interviews: The stars of Big Night of Musicals on bringing the West End to the BBC
Photos: First look at Big Night of Musicals 2026 on the BBC

The Big Night of Musicals 2026 Setlist

Hosted by Jason Manford, the 90-minute Big Night of Musicals extravaganza features a non-stop parade of musical theatre hits and talent. Here is the running order of what you’ll see on screen:

The Opening: The Lion King – “Circle of Life”
The Premiere: Paddington The Musical – “Pretty Little Dead Things” (Victoria Hamilton Barritt), plus a special film going behind-the-scenes at the Savoy Theatre to meet Paddington Bear
The Classic: Oliver! – “As Long As He Needs Me” (Ava Brennan)
The Rock Anthem: Jesus Christ Superstar – “Gethsemane” (Sam Ryder)
The Powerhouse: Wicked – “For Good” (Emma Kingston & Zizi Strallen)
The Feel-Good Medley: Sunny Afternoon – “Waterloo Sunset” / “You Really Got Me”
The Broadway Hit: The Producers – “We Can Do It” / “I Wanna Be A Producer” (Marc Antolin & Andy Nyman)
The Tear-Jerker: Miss Saigon – “Last Night of the World” / “The American Dream”
The Family Favourite: Annie – “It’s A Hard Knock Life” (La Voix & Wild Things Performing Arts)
The Disney Special: A medley of Alan Menken classics from Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast (Lucie Jones, Mae Ann Jorolan, Trevor Dion Nicholas)
The Big Sing: The Choir of Man – “You’re The Voice” (with Jason Manford & men’s choir Infant Hercules)
The Finale: I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical – A career-spanning medley (Alexandra Burke)

Big Night of Musicals 2026. Jason Manford. Photo BBC / TBI Media / Scott Garfitt

See the Shows Live: Booking Information

Loved what you saw on TV? Many of the featured shows are currently playing in London or heading out on major UK tours. Also see our listing of Big Night of Musicals shows to book now.

Paddington The Musical

See the bear’s West End debut at the Savoy Theatre. Check Paddington ticket availability here.

The Lion King

Disney’s smash-hit, awe-inspiring West End musical, now in its 27th year in London. Check ticket availability for The Lion King.

Wicked

The blockbuster musical continues its record-breaking run at the Apollo Victoria. Book Wicked tickets in London.

Oliver!

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production is now playing at the Gielgud Theatre. View performance schedule for Oliver!.

The Producers

Mel Brooks’ hilarious musical is delighting audiences at the Garrick Theatre. Find the best seats for The Producers.

Big Night of Musicals 2026 - Alexandra Burke (I'm Every Woman)

Alexandra Burke (I’m Every Woman). Photos by BBC-TBI Media-Scott Garfitt

See new photos of Big Night of Musicals 2026

Why we love Big Night of Musicals

While the Olivier Awards offer a glimpse into the year’s best, Big Night of Musicals feels like a true fan celebration. It brings the scale of the AO Arena in Manchester directly into our homes, showcasing the incredible range of talent currently working in British theatre.

From the grassroots community groups supported by the National Lottery to the massive global franchises like Disney, it is a 90-minute reminder of why London remains the theatre capital of the world.

Browse all West End musicals now booking in London.

UPDATED 28 March 2026: Article revised with new links to photos of Big Night of Musicals, and interviews with the stars of the show; Also updated 20 March with confirmed BBC One broadcast times, full setlist details, and current West End booking links

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Main photo: Big Night of Musicals 2026. Host Jason Manford. Photo BBC - TBI Media - Scott Garfitt