An Edgware based youth theatre and community centre were surprised by comedian Jason Manford for a BBC show.

Flash Musicals were honoured at The Big Night of Musicals 2023 by The National Lottery, with the programme due to air on BBC One on Saturday (March 25).

To celebrate the group, based in Methuen Road, The Big Night of Musicals host Jason Manford surprised one of the classes at the end of February.

Jason also asked the choir to join him on stage at The Big Night of Musicals for a special performance of From Now On from The Greatest Showman.

Flash Musicals choir, dressed all in white, sang to 12,000 people at the AO Arena Manchester.

The voluntary youth organisation was set up in 1997 and is a registered charity.

Working closely with the local police and crime prevention officers to increase the use of arts to benefit youth in the community, Flash Musicals has been a gateway into the performing arts for many who would otherwise not have had the opportunity. 

The National Lottery has been supporting the incredible cause for 22 years as Flash Musicals provides help to disadvantaged families looking to be involved with performing arts within the area.

As part of their Good Causes, The National Lottery has supported Flash Musicals since 2001 and has since received more than £348K in funding from The National Lottery.

Terry Revill, founder of Flash Musicals, said: “Having the support of The National Lottery has been instrumental to the growth of Flash Musicals and ensured that we were able to stay open and continue to provide a hub for everyone who attends.

 “Without The National Lottery’s support we wouldn’t have been able to continue to grow and implement our new initiatives including Wheelchair Dancing and Social Group, Flash Kids, Musical Theatre Workshop, Tae Kwon Do, Lunch Clubs and more.”

Terry added: “Watching Flash Musicals up on that huge stage amongst the best that theatre has to offer, with 12,000 people cheering for them was absolutely phenomenal, a moment I’ll never forget.

“Seeing how happy and excited the children were up there performing with Jason shows how important that theatre is to them – it brings a certain type of joy and hopefulness that only theatre can.

“Without The National Lottery, the magical night wouldn’t have been possible so it's important we highlight how important their work is.”