Theatre Review: Thriller Live

June 5, 2018 by Leigh-on-sea.com

I had tickets, back in 2009, to see the legendary Michael Jackson at the O2 Arena.  It was going to be an epic London comeback tour and as I had spent most of the 80s and 90s listening to the ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ album and dancing at the school disco to Jackson 5, it was going to be amazing!  Sadly, his early death meant the tour didn’t go ahead and I never got to see him.

Jackson’s legacy now lives on in Thriller Live! Direct from the West End, it’s billed as a spectacular concert, celebrating the career of the arguably one of the world’s greatest entertainer.  For genuine Jackson fans, this is a real crowd pleaser.  No need for a convoluted story, ambiguously weaving together his music.  This is no jukebox musical. This a good, old fashioned, concert that does what it says on the tin.  I did find the cursory narration between the tracks very contrived and just a bit awkward but it did serve to remind us of his incredible journey, conveniently glossing over the more troubled side of his life.

I think they pretty much belted out all the biggest hits including I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad, Rock With You, They Don’t Care About Us, Dangerous and Thriller.

4 superb principle singers took on the mammoth task of nailing the vocals.  Female leading lady, Adriana Louise, was spectacular along with her fellow male counterparts, Britt Quentin, Shaquille Hemmans and Rory Taylor. 

There was also a team of truly sensational dancers knocking out one routine after another.  The chorography was some of the best I’ve seen.  So slick and strong, no dancer out of step and they did not stop. Jackson’s iconic ‘moonwalk’ sent the crowd wild! 

Full credit to the fabulous live band who brilliantly supported the cast and dancers, albeit behind closed doors on the stage, only offering us the briefest glimpse of them.

This show is loud, colourful and just a tiny bit garish. It doesn’t try to be clever but it does deliver a great night of dancing, singing and a touch of nostalgia.  We were all dancing in the aisles. A great night out for all fans, young and old.  

On at Southend Cliffs Pavilion until Saturday 9^th June. To book your tickets click here