Bristol’s Wardrobe Theatre honoured at the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals

Theatre Manager & Artist Development Producer for Bristol’s The Wardrobe Theatre, Aisha Ali, was recognised as a local theatre hero at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, recorded in Manchester in January, in recognition of the work the theatre has done for the local community. 

Image: The Wardrobe Theatre at The National Lottery's Night of the Musicals 2026 

They were introduced on stage, alongside six other local theatre heroes from across the country, to a huge ovation from the 12,000 strong crowd. They were interviewed by BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show host Gaby Roslin, alongside six other local theatre heroes from across the country. They have made a big impact in their local communities; thanks to the funding they have received from The National Lottery.  

The Wardrobe Theatre is a 100-seater studio venue and arts hub showcasing the best theatre-makers, companies and artists from around Bristol and the UK. They describe their programme as a lovingly curated mix of theatre, comedy, storytelling, poetry/spoken word, live music, puppetry, cabaret, drag, improvisation, new writing and family shows, with an emphasis on emerging artists and Bristol-based work. They have received £233K in National Lottery funding between 2014 and 2025. 

Aisha Ali, Theatre Manager & Artist Development Producer at The Wardrobe Theatre, said: “We’re proud to be recognised as a Local Theatre Hero at The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals and to have been given the platform to share the special story of the communities and artists that make The Wardrobe Theatre what it is. All of this has been made possible because of you, The National Lottery players.” 

You can catch the Local Theatre Heroes feature on BBC Local Radio’s Make a Difference Show on Sunday 22 March and Big Night of Musicals by The National Lottery on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in Spring 2026.