Theatre

Thriller Live at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

10-15 June 2019

Reviewed by Jayne and Alex Wiggins

This show has a lot to live up to by taking on the music of the King of Pop! But it did not disappoint. It has the pizazz and glamour expected from anything to do with Michael Jackson, and the talent and vision to carry this off to stunning effect.

We were treated to a celebration of Michael Jackson’s music from his early Jackson Five days to “Earth Song” to the title “Thriller”, sang with the splendour of dancers and telling his life story through a narrator.

The show opened with the iconic howling we have come to know and love from Thriller as the audience were given a taste of what was to come. With light shows and and an amazing set, Trace Kennedy and Britt Quentin narrated the early years before being joined throughout the show by other vocalists who took lead for different Jacko favourites.The stunning Letitia Hector took the lead in many of the numbers that only a young Michael Jackson could have ever hit, with splendid effect and talent. Her vocals made every hair on my body stand on end, as did the vocals of the very talented Rory Taylor who had me grinning with excitement as I realised these iconic numbers were being treated with the respect and talent they deserve.

No Michael Jackson story could be completed without the amazing showmanship that is the dancers! These dancers did not disappoint! Gary Lloyds treatment of the choreography allowed iconic moves such as the Moonwalk – to be taken out of the music industry and into a theatre production. There were times when the stage was so alight with spectacle that it was hard to know where to look.

A special mention has to be made of the band and the lighting. The live band was integral to this show and were on stage throughout, albeit mostly hidden. But as they came centre stage the audience were treated to guitar rifts we would expect at any great music concert. The lighting brought the stage alive and allowed for the grandeur to be brought to a smaller stage setting.

We came out buzzing, singing, having been treated to the etiquette of a theatre production before being encouraged to our feet as if at a festival!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).

Thriller Live is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 10-15 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ

Show More
Back to top button