‘BIG NIGHT OF MUSICALS’ 2025
Back with a bang for 2025!
This January marked our fourth year in a row providing audio facilities and comms for Big Night of Musicals with TBI Media & The National Lottery — coming soon to BBC One & Radio 2. Held at Manchester Arena, it’s a major highlight of our year — as well as a surefire way to beat any January blues — and this year was no exception!
Produced by TBI, BNOM brings together the world’s finest musical theatre shows for one night only – performing with a full orchestra, under the mastery of Musical Director Jon Ranger — all captured for both TV & Radio. One of the show’s biggest challenges is the limited time available for rehearsals and sound checks, combined with the high number (300+) of input sources. To achieve the best results both in the house and for broadcast, it requires all audio departments to work as one cohesive entity.
As well as the music, Spiritland handles communications, prepares playback and show code files, and provides confidence monitoring for the performers. Meanwhile, Solotech is responsible for optimising the PA design, coordinating and deploying RF in the venue for the artists, and overseeing all on-stage audio operations — while Tom works closely with production to manage all the necessary performer information regarding microphone and monitor requirements.
We asked a couple of the production’s key players about their experience working on the show, and with Spiritland Productions:
"Working with Spiritland as Music OB — and Solotech as audio provider — feels like a true collaboration. We integrate all audio infrastructure in the most convenient way possible for the various departments. This level of collaboration is not always a given in productions of this scale. When everything runs smoothly, it almost feels as though things 'just happen'. Being able to work like this—trusting in each other’s dedication and skills while also enjoying the process and working alongside great people—makes all the difference. The result? A smooth-running production, with happy artists and producers."
Tom Gelissen
Front of House Engineer
"We've been working with Spiritland to provide audio for BNOM for the past four years — and a significant factor in the seamless execution of this event is down to our collaboration. Their crew is wonderful to work with, and their expertise is unparalleled. Our partnership with Spiritland has been instrumental in delivering high-quality audio for BNOM. Their professionalism and expertise, combined with our efficient interfacing and thorough preparation, ensure that each event runs smoothly and successfully."
Franc Le Moignan
Project Manager & Monitor Engineer, Solotech
The full show will be broadcast on BBC One and Radio 2 in Spring 2025.
Official photos: TBI Media
Crew photo: Scott Garfitt
