Thriller Live writer Adrian Grant with Michael Jackson
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Thriller Live & Diversity Unveil Jackson Memorial

Producers of Michael Jackson musical Thriller Live have unveiled a commemorative plaque in the foyer of the Lyric Theatre, ahead of the first anniversary of the singer's death tomorrow (25 June).

Joining them today for the unveiling were members of dance group Diversity, who had been due to perform alongside Jackson at his "This is It" concert at the O2 Arena.

Thriller Live executive director Adrian Grant said today: "I was fortunate that I got to know Michael over a period of 21years, and was privileged to gain access to his world ... A year ago we had to decide whether to cancel the show out of respect for Michael, or let the show continue knowing that we had a sold-out performance the evening of the 26th. We decided to go ahead and commemorate Michael’s life, with what turned out to be one of the most emotionally charged evening of our lives."

The show has since extended its run several times in the West End, while an international tour launched last year.

Elsewhere, Jackson's royalties have increased by 70% since his death. According to PRS for Music, the organisation that represents 65,000 composers and songwriters in the UK, over 415,000 albums were sold in the first four days following the announcement in America alone, while 2.3million songs were downloaded worldwide during the same period. Most popular over the past 12 months has been "Man in the Mirror", which has seen sales increase by 1039 percent.

Billed as a concert show, Thriller Live includes Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 chart-toppers such as “I Want You Back”, “I’ll Be There”, “Earth Song”, “Blame It on the Boogie”, “Billie Jean”, “Beat It” and the title song, from best-selling albums including Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and HIStory. It’s directed by Gary Lloyd and written by Adrian Grant, with design by Jonathan Park. The cast is led by three 13-year olds who rotate in the role of Young Michael.

- by Theo Bosanquet

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