‘Cause This is…’ Thriller Live, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 26.03.2018
Tonight’s viewing I was very interested to finally be seeing, having recently become London’s 16th long running West End show I was going to see why. Thriller Live was never a show that I would necessarily go out of my way to see, but that’s not to say I’m not a fan of the late Michael Jackson, it just didn’t take my interest. However, when offered a chance to see and review it at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford on its current tour, it was time to see.
I took my seat, row F seat 38 up in the upper circle. The stage was fully visible with no obstruction at all for the full performance. .
Thriller Live, is an electrifying visual and audio concert taking you through the magic of Michael Jacksons amazing 45 year musical history, the whole show is non-stop from pop to rock, soul to disco, and Jackson 5 to his solo career. Paying respect to Michaels legacy, from his live performances and his innovative dance moves, all executed with passion, and flair. If you are a huge Michael Jackson fan then this is the show for you, with all his classic songs included such as. 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, Thriller and many more!
Director and creator of the original concept Adrian Grant wanted to present this performance as a ‘Jukebox Show’ and rather than a musical based on Michael Jackson’s life it focuses solely on the music and dance that the ‘King of Pop’ was well known for, Although there is small segments through the show, that provide the audience with Jackson highlights and his successes through his music career, following his many albums that brought him his fame. Although its not your usual ‘Jukebox musical’ for a tribute and styled in a great concert, with amazing visuals, lighting and music it really works and gets the audience clapping, even participating throughout the show. I loved watching the audiences reactions especially the many children scattered about, dressed as the favourite icon, clearly displaying he still influences many lives to this day.
Along with the lights and music, the performance is accompanied by a talented cast, formed of dancers, and singers with a small fraction of Michael Jackson in there too. The dancers were all on top form, stepping through time in each move and number from disco to rock, with the iconic MJ moves that we still get goose bumps when seeing live. Interesting fact for tonight’s performance was 30 years ago Man in the Mirror was top of the charts, one of the many songs that were sung in the show by 6 talented singers, Shaquille Hemmans, Adrianne Louise, Rory Taylor, Ina Seildou, Britt Quentin – who is also the resident director of the Thriller Live performances and Eddy Lima. All of whom were outstanding singers with a range just as good as Michael Jacksons, what I loved the most is their passion they showed in each song they sung. Britt especially was having the time of his life, having been part of the show since day one, himself and the others clearly enjoy every moment they pay tribute to Michael. Eddy Lima blew me away with his Michael Jackson, channelling him so well that his Billie Jean performance along stood out to everyone watching him.
One thing for show is this show will entertain, making you fall in love with Michael Jackson and remembering his classics, the finale alone leaves you beaming and dancing in your seat, with the Thriller performed live in front of you, with the classic dance that we all attempt when we hear it at parties and clubs. Thriller Live is a stunning tribute to a talent that sadly gone to soon for this world, but one things for sure is he lives within this show, allowing past, present and future fans to view his work and continue to grow his fan base. Having not particularly shown interest in this production I have come away from a great night out, that has left me with a smile and that is all I need for a theatre trip out to keep me satisfied.
Thriller Live performs and the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 31st March, for all ticket information go here – a good start to the Easter holidays guaranteed! It will then continue on its UK Tour, for all information and tour dates go here.
