Thriller Live – West End’s first Michael Jackson returns

Kieran Alleyne returns to Thriller Live for one night only

Kieran Alleyne was a shy 13-year-old Leicester schoolboy with no formal acting training when he was chosen in an open audition from thousands of young hopefuls for a starring role in the West End, singing the songs of the young Michael Jackson in Thriller Live. Now he is heading back to the West End tonight (Wednesday 22 January) to appear in the show again – for one night only – to celebrate Thriller Live’s record-breaking sixth year at the Lyric Theatre, where it holds the record as the longest ever run in the theatre’s 125-year history, having completed more than 2,000 performances.

After opening night back in 2009, Kieran won great reviews and went on to perform in the show for a further two years, touring the world and even appearing in a massive arena version.

Now aged 18 and dubbed a young British Chris Brown, Kieran is forging a new music career as a rising R&B/pop recording artist. His song ‘Atmosphere’ was selected by Radio 1 for airplay by Nick Grimshaw, Greg James and Scott Mills, and he has been working closely with prominent urban music executive, Max Gousse, under his new label Artistry Worldwide Entertainment, distributed through the UK division of VIRGIN/EMI.

Gary Lloyd, Thriller Live’s award-winning director and choreographer, said: “Kieran was a wonderful discovery when he turned up on a freezing cold morning at our West End open call auditions. In 2008 we were literally seeing hundreds of youngsters, many with experience in musicals like The Lion King, Oliver! and Billy Elliot. But Kieran immediately stood out from the crowd. He had a pure sound and great stage presence, despite his lack of formal training – holding centre-stage alone in front of almost 1,000 people a night didn’t seem to faze him at all. He obviously loved Michael Jackson and his music and performing and was always trying to perfect new moves and hone his vocals backstage. I am delighted that he’s forging a new career as a successful recording artist and to welcome him back to the Thriller Live family, now singing as the adult MJ. Wednesday 22 January promises to a very special night full of surprises.”