Big Night of Musicals
7.45pm BBC1 Saturday 28th March 2026
'This Morning'
Jason Manford talks to Ben and Cat on This Morning about Wild Things' professional performance at The National Lottery's 'Big Night of Musicals, to an audience of 12,000 people at the AO Arena in January - due to air on BBC1 at 7.45pm, Saturday 28th March.
Our Work with The National Lottery
At the beginning of 2025, The National Lottery awarded us an 'Awards for All' grant to work alongside local charity Positive Steps, with the Young Carers of Oldham on a dance and drama project about hopes, dreams and aspirations. Through dance, creative writing and storytelling, the Young Carers created a heartwarming performance about not letting anyone stop you from thinking BIG!
Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
In December 2025, we were selected by The National Lottery to join the professional cast of Annie the Musical (touring the UK 2026) and the incredible 'LaVoix' on the main stage at the Manchester AO Arena. With just a month to learn the choreography, it was a BIG task! Some of our young people have never performed in their lives - and others only to a hundred people in their local village hall - so 12,000 people in a National Arena was a dream come true (albeit a scary one!). Our students loved every minute, from rehearsals with the professional team, to costume, hair and make-up, to being backstage with the stars, to the event itself.
We are so proud of each and every one of them.
Wild Things' CEO Named 'Theatre Hero'
In addition to the performance itself, Wild Things' CEO, Nancy Monaghan, was recognised onstage at the event by The National Lottery as a 'Theatre Hero' for her work in local communities over the last 18 years.
Catch the whole show on BBC1, Saturday 28th March, 7.45pm
(or catch up on BBC iPlayer)