As someone who'll openly admit that they spend more time than is normal sat in a theatre, when I found out that The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals was coming to the 12,000-seater AO Arena in Manchester, I knew there was absolutely no way I could miss it. The casts of thirteen of the UK's biggest musicals all under one roof, along with some special surprises, all hosted by the city's own Jason Manford - how could I say no?
After being warmed up with a 12,000-people strong rendition of Any Dream Will Do from Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, the show began with everyone on their feet for a performance of 'We Will Rock You' from the cast of We Will Rock You. Brenda Edwards, who'll be reprising her role as The Killer Queen when the show opens in London later this year, led the cast, who all looked like they had came straight from an alternative punk universe.
There were plenty of standing ovations during the evening too, as Pussycat Dolls star Melody Thornton blew the arena away with a stunning rendition of 'I Will Always Love You' from The Bodyguard. Fresh from her win at The Masked Singer Australia, Melody lit up the arena - quite literally -as thousands of phone lights filled the room with stars as she nailed the big chorus.
