NK Theatre Arts triumphs on BBC One’s Big Night of Musicals

Stockport youth performing arts charity, NK Theatre Arts, is celebrating their performance as part of The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals airing on national TV.

The performance will air on BBC One on Saturday 23rd March on coverage of the event starting at 6.50pm. The national showcase for the charity’s performers marks a triumphant comeback for the organisation, which faced near devastation following the closure of their home, The Forum Theatre, due to the need for RAAC roof repairs in September 2023.

Back in January, NK Theatre Arts was invited by The National Lottery to perform at one of the UK’s biggest musical theatre events, hosted at the AO Arena in Manchester. Fifteen young performers from the company took to the stage alongside students from CAPA College to deliver a breath-taking rendition of Electricity from Billy Elliot, earning a standing ovation from a crowd of 12,000. The performance will be featured on Big Night of Musicals, along with a video segment showcasing The Forum Theatre.

Darren Stannage, Company Manager at NK Theatre Arts, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to see our performers on national television, showcasing the incredible talent and resilience of our organisation. This event is a true celebration of our journey, from overcoming adversity to standing proud on one of the biggest musical theatre stages in the country.”

Romiley’s Forum Theatre was forced to close in September 2023 due to structural issues caused by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof, a closure period that cost the Charity over £115,000.  However, thanks to over £300,000 investment from Stockport Council and the unwavering support of the local community, the theatre was able to reopen in June 2024.

Since reopening, NK Theatre Arts has bounced back stronger than ever, staging critically acclaimed productions with both their youth and senior casts. Their return to the stage was marked by Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Teen Edition, and their upcoming schedule is packed with exciting productions, including Flashdance the Musical and Ghost the Musical by the senior theatre, alongside Finding Nemo Junior and Fame by the youth theatre.

The airing of The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals comes just four days before the opening night of the company’s latest show Flashdance the Musical, directed by Hannah Thomas, NK Theatre Arts’ Head of Musical Theatre and Dance. Hannah also co-ordinated the company’s stunning performance at the AO Arena and was interviewed by Jason Manford on the night, making this a particularly special moment for the organisation; she commented:

“This weekend is a true reflection of how far we’ve come. To see our theatre featured on national television and then launch straight into another major production is something we could have only dreamed of a year ago.”

Cllr Helen Forster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council added:

“This recognition is fantastic news.  Seeing the brilliant NK Theatre Arts take to the stage at such a prestigious event is a testament to the incredible talent we have here.  The arts play a huge role in our community across Stockport, inspiring young people, bringing people together and showcasing the very best of Stockport’s creativity.

“Huge congratulations to everyone involved, this is a moment of real pride for our borough”