Christmas came early this year. Last night, we were invited to Vue Printworks for the exclusive media launch of the upcoming Christmas Musical Spectacular by Great British Festivals, a production set to transform the AO Arena on 22 and 23 December 2026.
Anthony Prophet, the host of the event, provided the Manchester media with a first look at the grand design and ambitious scale of what is already being hailed as one of Europe’s biggest Christmas shows. It was a unique opportunity to meet the event organisers, artistic directors, and the performers who will be bringing this vision to life.
Leading this star-studded production is the one and only Michael Ball OBE (celebrated for his legendary roles in Les Misérables and Hairspray), whose involvement ensures a standard of vocal excellence that is second to none. The evening will be hosted by the beloved Aled Jones (known for his iconic performance of ‘Walking in the Air’ in the 1982 animation The Snowman), who brings a sense of tradition and festive warmth to the proceedings.
Joining them on stage will be a formidable line-up of guest stars, including Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman), Loren Allred (The Greatest Showman and Britain’s Got Talent), Ben Forster (Phantom of the Opera), and Kerry Ellis (Wicked and Les Misérables). The production further draws on the elite talent of the West End with featured stars Alice Fearn (Wicked and Come From Away), Kelly Mathieson (The Phantom of the Opera), and Hugh Maynard (Miss Saigon).
Under the musical direction of Isaac McCullough, the audience can expect the ‘best versions of the best songs in musical history,’ performed live with a magnificent 30-piece orchestra and choir. While the talent is international, the show remains deeply rooted in its host city, keeping it Manchester ‘in-house’ by featuring the Manchester Camerata, the Manchester Vocal Ensemble, and the Cardwell Theatre School. Anthony Prophet remarked during the launch that Manchester is a city that ‘lives and breathes music,’ and bringing a show of this scale and emotional depth here during the holidays feels incredibly special.
The creative team is focused on more than just the music; they are crafting an atmosphere of pure festive magic. Creative Director Edward Prophet described the essence of the show as a blend of ‘nostalgia, family, magic, and a little bit of chaos.’ The directors shared how their creative process prioritises the audience’s emotional journey, from the moment they enter the arena to the moment they leave, immersed in the Christmas and Mancunian spirits.
Performers like Hugh Maynard and Ben Forster expressed their excitement about sharing such a “huge venue” and “huge orchestra” with a large crowd, while Kelly Mathieson highlighted the importance of making high-calibre musical theatre accessible to local children without the need for a trip to London.
Crucially, the organisers are committed to ensuring this is a family event, promising affordable prices so that everyone can attend. Furthermore, the show is dedicated to giving back to the community that hosts it, with £1 from every ticket sold going directly to the charity Forever Manchester, which funds and supports community activity across Greater Manchester.
Audiences can look forward to soaring sing-along moments, West End anthems, and timeless Christmas classics that will reinforce Manchester’s place as a premier Christmas destination. Tickets go on sale from 9 AM on 15 May via christmasmusicalspectacular.co.uk and the AO Arena. You can sign up now for early access to secure the best seats for this unforgettable holiday highlight.
JADAR 