A Night at The Big Night of Musicals

Last night, some of our Homeless House team had the wonderful opportunity to attend The Big Night of Musicals at Manchester’s AO Arena – an unforgettable evening made possible by an invitation from The National Lottery.

For our team, it was a rare chance to step away from the day‑to‑day and immerse ourselves in a celebration of theatre, creativity, and the incredible talent that brings these productions to life. And what a night it was.

From the moment the young cast of Annie stepped onto the stage, the energy in the arena was electric. Their performance was full of heart and confidence, a reminder of how powerful it is when young people are given the space and support to shine.

We were treated to the phenomenal vocals of Sam Ryder, whose presence lifted the entire room, and the amazing Alexandra Burke, starring in I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical. Her performance was a true standout, showcasing the strength and soul, that make live theatre so special.

Beyond the big names and big moments, what struck us most was the sense of community. The National Lottery’s support reaches far beyond the main stage – it helps sustain the small theatrical clubs, grassroots arts groups, and community spaces that bring people together, build confidence, and create belonging. Those organisations are the heartbeat of local creativity, and nights like this highlight just how important they are.

Even after the glitter had fallen from the ceiling and the cameras stopped rolling, the atmosphere stayed with us. It was a reminder of how vital the arts are, not just for entertainment, but for connection, expression, and community wellbeing.

We’re grateful to The National Lottery for the invitation and for the ongoing support they provide to creative organisations across the UK. If you’d like to see a little glimpse of the evening, our founder Antonia has shared a short snippet on her TikTok:

@antonia_homelesshouse

So grateful to be invited by The National Lottery as part of their support to Manchesters Homeless House & our work in the community, to watch the live recording of The Big Night of musicals. What a fantastic night! ✨️ Here’s a snippet of the evening. It will be aired on BBC in the Spring 💃🎥🎶🎬 #Thenationallotterybignightofmusicals #Jasonmansford #samryder #Alexandraburke

♬ original sound – Antonia

A night to remember and one we’re glad some of our team could experience together.