Picture: Betty Zapata
Thriller Live continues at the Lyric Theatre, London until 26 April 2020.
Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩
Peter Andre is guest starring in the West End production of Thriller Live until 22 December so it was no surprise to see plenty of his fans in the audience at the Lyric Theatre as well as dedicated admirers of Michael Jackson’s back catalogue.
The atmosphere was upbeat on opening night, boosted by the excitement of the festive season, with people ready to get on their feet for a string of Jackson hits
When Andre first entered, there were many high-pitched screams from the audience. His performance is surprisingly reminiscent of Jackson himself, although it is clear to see his vocals outdo his dancing.
The show takes you on a journey through Jackson’s life, mixing his hit songs with short narrated pieces about his life, while avoiding a chronological list of events.
After the opening number we are taken to The Jackson 5 days. Young Michael, played by Ishaan Raithatha, beautifully presents the charming nature of Michael at this young age. His slightly higher, delicate tone, partnered with the backing vocals from his brothers, is the perfect reminder of The Jackson 5 sound. The numbers make you want to get up on your feet and join in.
It is fair to say that some of the tracks are disappointing, especially when we are presented with very well choreographed routines but poor lip syncing.
However, we do see outstanding vocals (in the slow numbers) from cast members Haydon Eshun, David Julien, John Moabi and Vivienne Ekwulugo throughout the show. Julien’s rendition of ‘She’s Out of My Life’ is beautifully executed. His vocals carry a lot of the numbers within the show.
Gary Lloyd’s choreography is second to none and brings a lot of gasps and ‘wow’s from start to finish. The exuberant cast brings a lot of energy to proceedings, including Peter Andre.
The show feels more like a concert than a West End, but if you are looking for a good night out and an opportunity to sing along to the hits of Michael Jackson, this is the show to go to.
Molly Kerrigan
West End theatres owners Nimax is planning to carry out a major refurbishment of the Lyric Theatre, with work due to commence in May 2020. To allow for this work to be completed Thriller Live will end its record-breaking 11-year run at the theatre on 26 April 2020, at which point the show will have completed 4,705 performances making it the longest running show ever at the Lyric theatre and the 11th longest running musical in West End history. Plans are in hand to transfer Thriller Live to another West End theatre and a second production will start a 12-month world tour, opening in Lausanne Switzerland on 27 December 2019.
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