Performance Run: Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 February 2017

Performance Reviewed: Tuesday 21 February (Press Night)

PLEASE NOTE - I previously reviewed this production of 'Thriller Live' earlier in the current tour. The following review, however, has been amended, revised and rewritten to take into account casting changes and other considerations to give an up-to-date review of the show.

Perhaps the greatest complement that can be directed Thriller Live’s way is that it is genuinely worthy of bearing the works and mantle of the late, truly great Michael Jackson. Whilst never being the most overt or devout of fans of the undisputed King of Pop, one can nevertheless comfortably acknowledge the incredible contribution he made (and continues to make) to music, and there’s still an overwhelming case to be made for his Thriller LP being the greatest of all time (it’s certainly the most successful).

It is unsurprising then, to see this stage adaptation of his unparalleled catalogue of hits - Thriller Live - continue to prove itself a success both in London and beyond, with its latest tour arriving in Wolverhampton this week at the City’s Grand theatre.

And it isn’t particularly difficult to see why it continues to prove so popular - Thriller Live presents exactly what one would expect going in; a full-on, flat-out greatest hits reel featuring a slew of quite simply some of the greatest pop, disco and soul songs ever put to record.

Not being a particular fan of the concert jukebox musical - I can quite comfortably take or leave Jersey Boys and Let It Be, for instance - Thriller Live earns particular credit for not attempting to shoehorn in a paper-thin narrative or, worse, a half-baked rags to riches origin tale that plagues so many of its contemporaries. Shedding any such baggage or artifice, from the outset Thriller sets its stall as a joyous, upbeat celebration of Jackson and his music, and it is all the more accessible and enjoyable as a result. The fewer scenes of concerned mothers of talented yet troubled artisans, manipulative and overbearing record producers or frustrated stay-at-home wives stood weeping at the end of a telephone that are put on stage, the better.

Thankfully, as mentioned, Thriller troubles itself with no such theatrical flannel, and instead charges through over thirty different numbers, from the Motown and Disco jaunts of The Jackson 5 to his dazzling solo career with hits from albums including Bad, Off The Wall and, of course, the titular Thriller. Each of these is given their own set piece, performed by any number of the five lead vocalists and a generally exceptional supporting dance troupe; the choreography, as expected, is superb. 

Saying this, it has to be acknowledged that the male members of the company are by far the sharpest - a particular low point in the first half is a meandering, loosey-goosey dance to ‘Rockin’ Robin’ by the ladies of the ensemble that needs a serious tightening up and injection of life.

The approach to each number is of varying complexity, with unsurprisingly the most iconic songs getting the biggest productions - ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Earth Song’, ‘Smooth Criminal’ and in particular ‘Thriller’ all genuinely show-stopping in their execution. There are a couple of duds here and there, particularly in the first Act - see for instance production logistics rendering much of the Jackson 5 numbers to either video screen projections or performances from the adult cast compared to the younger performers of the London show -  but it all moves at a brisk enough pace, and pulls itself through its wobblier moments on the strength of the music alone.

Speaking of wobbly moments, Thriller Live appears to be a show currently without a female lead vocalist to call its own, and it does unfortunately show on stage. Earlier in the tour, Cleopatra Higgins (of 90’s girl group ‘Cleopatra’) took the mantle, with a fantastic understudy in Angelica Allen. Now, it seems as though the show is cycling through a series of three female understudies, with Victoria Pasion in the performance reviewed sadly just not up to scratch vocally. It’s by no means a dealbreaker, but with a couple of weaker vocalists in the core line-up of five ‘leads’, it makes for a more inconsistent evening than the devoted fans, and potentially even newcomers, may expect.

Thankfully, the soulful vocals of Rory Taylor remain powerful and affecting, resident director and singer Britt Quentin is in fine voice and brings an abundance of personality and charisma to the stage, and Sean Christopher dances and sings up a storm as a nigh-faultless Jackson impersonator who has the audience eating out of the palm of his white-gloved hand come the second half of the show.

Essentially, Thriller Live does exactly what it advertises, and thankfully does not fuss itself with anything more. Even casual appreciators of Jackson may be surprised over the course of the evening to realise just how many seminal, instantly recognisable and irrefutably iconic songs he produced, and almost every one of them will likely move you in some fashion - be it getting you up on your feet jamming along, or soul-searching and fighting back the tears to the ebbs of ‘Man in the Mirror’.

Is it a perfect musical theatre experience? Of course not - it is in fact far closer to a contained tribute concert that can boast fantastic production values and some of the best pop tracks history has produced. For fans of MJ, it is an absolute must-see, and for those even half-enthused, Thriller Live continues to prove itself a fantastic evening’s entertainment positively bursting with that infectious Jacko spirit and a touch of his undeniable genius. 

It’s regrettable that there are some fairly glaring and audible weak links in the principle line-up this time round, but the stronger performances around them, the razor sharp choreography and still-electrifying staging and lighting design go a long way in dazzling over the cracks, and ensured the audience were once again rapturous in their appraisal and applause come the final, extremely satisfying reprise of Jackson’s greater numbers.

In all, a vibrant, upbeat and highly satisfying foray into the incomparable hits and talent of one of pop, rock and soul’s greatest artists, and an evening of entertainment that even Jackson naysayers will surely find impossible to not be won over by.

Perhaps Vincent Price said it best, after all…

“No mere mortal can resist… the evil of the Thriller”

RATING - ★★★

Tickets: 01902 429 212  / Official Website: click

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here