NK Theatre Arts, Stockport’s premier youth theatre and Registered Charity, is celebrating a major milestone as their performance at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, which airs this Saturday, 23 March, at 6:50 pm on BBC One. This achievement 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 in 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.

“We are absolutely thrilled to see our performers on national television, showcasing the incredible talent and resilience of our organisation,” said Darren Stannage, Company Manager at NK Theatre Arts. “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.”

A Community-Backed Recovery

The 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.

A Huge Weekend for NK Theatre Arts

The airing of The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals comes just four days before the opening night of 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.

“This weekend is a true reflection of how far we’ve come,” said Hannah. “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.”

Pride of the Borough

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

“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”

Tune in to BBC One this Saturday at 6:50 pm to witness NK Theatre Arts in The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals and celebrate their incredible journey.

For more information about NK Theatre Arts, upcoming performances, or how to get involved, visit www.nktheatre.co.uk.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Darren Stannage, Company Manager

NK Theatre Arts

darren@nktheatrearts.org.uk