Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
The Hawth theatre in Crawley, West Sussex is a great place to watch any show. Situated just ten minutes from Gatwick Airport, with very easy access to the M23 motorway and plenty of free parking The Hawth makes a night out at the theatre extremely simple. With its two bars, on site restaurant and multiple viewing spaces it is suitable for any size show from the intimate play to a full-sized production.
Thriller Live was being held in the main theatre, a large auditorium with perfect acoustics and with a brilliant view from every seat we knew we were going to be in for a treat. I was initially surprised to see a fair few children in the audience until I remembered it was half term. It just goes to show how popular Michael Jackson’s music is, it is still spanning the decades years after his sad demise in 2009.
This tribute to the King of Pop was high energy from the word go, the visual effects were almost too much to take in with the stage packed with dancers, singers and light shows from beginning to end. The performance isn’t just about the album Thriller but spans the decades of Michael Jacksons career starting with his early hits ABC, & Rockin’ Robin, backed with some super cute graphics of a young Michael, and followed up with hits such as I Want You Back, Can You Feel It, Dangerous, I’ll Be There and Rock With You. The energy on the stage was not only amazing but infectious and soon we were up off our seats doing some audience participation moves and clapping our hands along to the music.
The second half carries on the way it started with tracks such as Beat It, I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Man In The Mirror, Earth Song and, The Way You Make Me Feel. The dance troupe entertain throughout, they must have been exhausted as there was no respite in their performance. I felt exhausted just watching them!
There are four stunning vocalists in Thriller Live and each plays their part perfectly singing the tracks that suit their voices best. Ceante Harris is a seriously talented vocalist and is joined by Britt Quentin, the look alike with all the moves, Joseph Thomas & Shaquille Hemmans, separately their voices are all fantastic, yet distinctive, but together their harmonies were pitch perfect.
These vocalists were supported by a mostly hidden live band all who were extremely accomplished musicians. Several times throughout the performance the two guitarists came out on stage to show case their talents, they were just fantastic. As was the whole band.
As the evening drew to a close my favourite Billie Jean was performed flawlessly. Perfectly matched with complex dance moves it was closely followed by the shows namesake, Thriller (look around you when this starts they could be a little surprise near you). Dressed up as zombies the dancers take their moves from the original video beaming me back to 1983 as if it were yesterday.
This show is epic and suitable for every age group, the combination of music and dancing was a real highlight, it is an incredibly uplifting show.
Whether you are an avid Michael Jackson far or just want a high-octane night out you will not be disappointed with Thriller Live.
A resounding 5 stars.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £34.50 to £39.50 (booking fees may apply).
Thriller Live is at The Hawth in Crawley from 17-22 February 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit hawth.co.uk or call the box office on 01293 553636.
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, Sussex, RH10 6YZ | 01293 553636
