Thriller Live has celebrated reaching its milestone 10th anniversary with a special gala performance at its West End home, the Lyric Theatre. The current cast were joined by members of the company from the last decade, and the creative team took to the stage following the finale to talk about the success of the show.
For anyone who hasn’t yet seen this West End staple, Thriller Live redefines the jukebox musical. While the production is packed full of those famous Michael Jackson numbers, it’s more of a homage to the ‘world’s greatest showman’. Recreating the style and spectacle of his live concerts, a group of talented singers and dancers give us snapshots of Jackson’s career at various points in his life.
There’s no-one impersonating Michael as such, although their look and style is unmistakeable. Florivaldo Mossi takes on the most iconic Jackson look, and the audience went wild for the singer’s recreation of hits like ‘Smooth Criminal’ and, of course ‘Thriller’.
Haydon Eshun, who has been with the cast from the very beginning gives some very strong vocal performances, as does Vivienne Ekwulugo. Some original cast members returned to the stage too, Ben Forster and Layton Williams most notable amongst them.
Thriller Live is choreographed by the productions director, Gary Lloyd and this choreography has to be amongst the best in the West End, with some of the moves being nothing less than astounding, all executed by a team of very talented dancers.
LED screens provide the backdrop to this epic visual feast, and the overall look is bursting with energy, which carries through to the audience. MJ super-fan or not, you cannot fail to find yourself absolutely carried away in the moment.
Thriller Live was conceived by Adrian Grant, a personal friend of Michael Jackson, who wanted to share Michael’s message of love and equality for all. He has succeeded in creating a tribute to the ‘King of Pop’ which not only shares his ideology, but his talent with a whole new generation of fans.
