Thriller Live (Tour - Sunderland)

When a packed theatre is on its feet cheering for more there is no doubting that a show must be doing something right. When you add in to the mix that Thriller Live is still enjoying a very long run in London’s West End, while the touring version continues to play venues across the UK, you begin to realise the power Michael Jackson still has today.

A simple set of two stairways, joined by a bridge over a video wall, which opens to reveal the live band, is the basic setting for this juke box of a musical. Jackson’s music is played mainly in chronological order, but the presentation ranges from mediocre impersonations at their best to cabaret style group performances.

While Blaze Ellis Porter impersonates the young Jackson, he is unable to convince with his vocals, but Dwayne Wint manages to capture the moon walk very convincingly. However the entire production lifts whenever lead vocalist Nathan James is on stage. His rock voice and stage presence stands him apart from the other performers and he is a pleasure to listen to.

True hard and fast Jackson fans will not be left disappointed, as his songs are played at a relentless pace, with your whole body vibrating to the bass. But for anyone who is not a dedicated fan there is little to enjoy in the way of production values. However if you love the man, and his music, this is the show for you.

- by John Dixon