Thriller Live

I have just returned from the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton having seen “Thriller” a Michael Jackson tribute show that ‘rocked my world.’ With dance moves from MTV award winning choreographer LaVelle Smith Jnr and vocals from talented singers including Pop Idol’s Hayley Adams this is a must for all MJ fans.

The shows starts with Michael in the Jackson Five played by a highly cheeky and talented young star grooving accross the floor and belting out the classics “ABC” and “Blame It On The Boogie” Michael then progresses through his adult years and various skin shades with “Earth Song” and “Blood on the Dancefloor.” A standout performance was “Smooth Criminal” with a phenemonal Michael Jackson dance routine culminating in a flawless moonwalk. Also, noteable was ‘Dirty Diana’ with a strong edgy male vocal and a raunchy female dance routine hinting the character kerb as well as moon walked! Mutant dancers appeared out of the audience for the “Thriller” finale before a good performance of “Bad” for the encore that had everyone up on their feet.

Overall the vocal and dance performances were excellent. However, if the show did not rock with you then you are not alone. Unlike similar tribute shows such as “Mamma Mia” and “We Will Rock You”, “Thriller” has no storyline or structure making the show purely a rendition of Mj’s hits. Without a clear plot, the performance was reminiscent to watching a Michael Jackson hour on VH1 and became tedious during the lesser known songs. Attempts to create a gap between songs were filled with mindless blurb about Michael Jackson and his album sales making the show seem like a plug for his music or part of a Michael Jackson episode on the Biography Channel.

The choice of casting was also strange. Although MJ sung “it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white” with this casting director it apparently didn’t matter if you were male or female either. MJ was played throughout the show by asian, white and black male and females most of whom beared no resemblance to the real MJ, during any of his acid bathing phases! All were excellent vocalists but the lack of one lead made the casting director seem very indecisive.

However, these minor negatives were made irrelevant by the quality of the choreography. The dance troupe reached every beat with high energy and flair and had the audience up on their feet rocking with them. A particular commendation should also go out to the costume and make-up department who did a great job replicating MJ’s trademark jackets, ankleswingers and play dough like facial features!

As a whole the show was excellent and received four stars from the Independent and the Times. The choreography, sound and lightening were brilliant and created a great atmosphere for the audience. If you are looking for a traditional theatre show with a storyline then “Thriller” is not for you but if you want a high energy performance with great dancing and singing, then you just can’t Beat It!