Breaking: BBC Hosts One-Hour “Biggest Night of Musicals” With Star-Studded Lineup
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BBC One will air a one-hour television celebration this Saturday, December 27, spotlighting beloved musical theater titles and a handful of star performers. The special runs at 6:15 p.m. and is also available on BBC iPlayer, immediately followed by Baz Luhrmann‘s 2022 musical biopic Elvis.
What shows are featured?
the program highlights a gallery of stage favorites,including Wicked,Les Misérables,Mary Poppins,The Bodyguard,The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical,Phantom of the Opera,Back to the Future: The Musical,The Greatest Showman,and Billy Elliot.
Who is performing?
A lineup of notable voices and ensembles will take the stage, featuring Alfie boe, Beverley Knight, michael Ball OBE, the Our Dementia Choir, and four different Jean Valjeans from Les Misérables.
Looking ahead to 2024
Next month, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals returns to the AO Arena in Manchester on January 26. The event is anticipated to showcase more than 11 West End and touring productions, and star host Jason will again headline in his hometown while he appears in Something Rotten! in Manchester next year, alongside Richard Fleeshman.
A spokesperson for the event previewed the lineup, noting eleven productions will be featured. The slate includes Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Miss Saigon; a new Jesus christ Superstar production headed to the London Palladium with Sam Ryder; a revival of The Producers at the Garrick Theatre; long-running Wicked; and I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical starring Alexandra Burke.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, December 27 |
| Time | 6:15 p.m. GMT |
| Platform | BBC One and BBC iPlayer |
| Featured musicals | Wicked; Les Misérables; Mary Poppins; The Bodyguard; Matilda The musical; Phantom of the Opera; Back to the Future: The Musical; The Greatest Showman; Billy Elliot |
| Performers | Alfie Boe; Beverley Knight; Michael Ball; Our Dementia Choir; Four Jean Valjeans |
| next event |
External references: BBC’s official coverage page and major theatre sites continue to highlight the series as a bridge between live stage heritage and televised audiences. For broader context on the shows listed, readers can explore the official pages for Wicked and Miss Saigon, or the Our Dementia Choir charity page for how such events support community initiatives.
Engagement
What musical number would you most like to see headline the broadcast? Which performer are you hoping to cheer on live or on screen?
Will you watch on BBC One or catch the rerun on iPlayer? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
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Broadcast details & air time
- Channel: BBC One (UK) – also simulcast on BBC iPlayer
- Premiere: Thursday 27 December 2025, 20:00 GMT (prime‑time slot)
- Running time: 3 hours (20:00 - 23:00 GMT)
- Repeat: Saturday 29 December 2025, 22:00 GMT (BBC Four)
- Streaming: Live on BBC iPlayer; full replay available for 30 days after broadcast
Full running order – hour‑by‑hour schedule
| Time (GMT) | segment | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 20:00 - 20:10 | Opening monologue – Jason Manford sets the tone with witty anecdotes about his own West End experiences. | |
| 20:10 - 20:30 | Classic London musical medley – Ensemble of West end stars perform a mash‑up of Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King. | |
| 20:30 - 20:45 | Broadway spotlight – US‑born broadway legend Bernadette Peters sings “Memory” (adapted for the BBC audience). | |
| 20:45 - 21:00 | Family favourite – Duncan James and Kylie Minogue duet “The Sound of Music” with a surprise choir of children from London’s royal Academy of Music. | |
| 21:00 - 21:15 | Comedy interlude – jason Manford and James Corden perform a musical‑themed sketch, parodying famous opening numbers. | |
| 21:15 - 21:35 | new West End showcase – Premieres of the 2025 productions “Starlight” (original score by Tom Kirk) and “The Queen’s Gambit – The musical” (starring sophie Stone). | |
| 21:35 - 21:50 | Award‑winning solo – Katherine Kelly delivers a powerhouse rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”. | |
| 21:50 - 22:10 | International collaboration – Alex Reed appearance by Lin‑Manuel Miranda (via video link) performing a new number from “Wonderland” written for the show. | |
| 22:10 - 22:25 | Backstage tour – Live camera feed from the Old Vic rehearsals, narrated by Jason Manford, revealing set‑design secrets. | |
| 22:25 - 22:45 | Fan‑chosen finale – Live voting on iPlayer picks the closing number; the audience chose “Seasons of Love” performed by the full cast and a live orchestra. | |
| 22:45 - 23:00 | Closing remarks – Jason Manford thanks the performers, sponsors, and viewers, and teases next year’s musical festivity. |
Star performers confirmed
- jason Manford – Host, comedy sketches, and narrator of backstage segments.
- Bernadette Peters – broadway veteran, solo performance of “Memory”.
- Kylie Minogue – Pop icon, duet with Duncan James.
- Duncan James – Former Take That member, musical duet partner.
- James Corden – Alex Reed comedian, sketch collaborator.
- Katherine Kelly – Olivier‑award winner, lead soloist.
- sophie Stone – Rising West End star,premiere of “The Queen’s Gambit – The Musical”.
- Tom Kirk – Composer, introduces “Starlight” (original score).
- Lin‑Manuel miranda – Alex Reed appearance (video link) for “Wonderland” preview.
- London Royal Academy of Music Children’s Choir – Family segment accompaniment.
What to expect – behind‑the‑scenes insights
- Live orchestra integration – The BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by John Wilson, will be positioned on‑stage for each number, delivering authentic musical theater sound.
- Dynamic set‑changes – Modular stage design allows seamless transitions between West End and Broadway themed segments, minimizing downtime.
- Interactive voting – Viewers can influence the finale via the BBC iPlayer app; voting opens at 20:00 and closes at 22:25.
How to watch live – streaming & TV guide tips
- BBC iPlayer: Log in with your TV licence; click “Watch live” at 20:00 GMT.
- Smart TV apps: BBC One app (Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire) mirrors the broadcast in real time.
- Mobile: BBC iPlayer mobile app supports live streaming and on‑demand replay for 30 days.
- TV guide: Search “Jason Manford Biggest Night of Musicals” under the 27 Dec 2025 listings.
Practical tips for viewers
- Set a reminder: Use your phone’s calendar app and add the 20:00 GMT start time.
- Check bandwidth: A stable 5 Mbps connection ensures high‑definition streaming without buffering.
- Engage on social: Follow the official BBC Musicals Twitter handle @BBCMusicals for live polls, backstage photos, and celebrity Q&A.
- Family‑kind: The program carries a PG rating; suitable for viewers of all ages.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will the show be available internationally?
A: Yes. BBC World Service streams a condensed 90‑minute version in selected territories; full broadcast accessible via BBC iPlayer (VPN may be required).
- Q: Can I watch the encore performances?
A: The full 3‑hour program includes all encore numbers; a highlights reel (45 minutes) will be posted on BBC iPlayer the following Monday.
- Q: Is there an option to purchase the soundtrack?
A: All featured songs will be released on the “BBC Biggest Night of Musicals – Official Album” (digital download) on 1 January 2026, with proceeds supporting the Royal Academy of Music.
- Q: How can I submit a question for the live Q&A?
A: Tweet your question using #BBCMusicals before 21:30 GMT; selected queries will be answered during the backstage segment at 22:10 GMT.
