Ten of Motown the Musical's best moments

Discover the best moments from ”Motown the Musical”’s run at the Shaftesbury Theatre and why you shouldn’t miss it before the final performance on the 20 April

Editorial Staff

London

28 February 2019

I Heard It Through the Grapevine! April marks the end of the run of the successful and high-energy Motown the Musical. After entertaining London audiences for three years, here are ten highlights to remind you why it's such a great show (and why you should head back to see it one last time).

1. When you hear the funky overture for the first time and realise you are going to see a show like no other.

via GIPHY

2. Berry Gordy on stage at opening night

Founder of Motown Records Berry Gordy joined the cast on stage at the official opening night, attended by a star-studded audience which included Motown legend Smokey Robinson.

3. Wowing the nation on TV

Motown the Musical has appeared on many TV shows in the last three years, brightening up the nations Saturday nights with high energy performances of Motown classics. Shows they've appeared on include The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Children in Need, Tonight at the Palladium and Saturday Night Takeaway (including a special guest appearance from Ant and Dec!).

4. Dancing in the aisles with Virgin Atlantic

To launch Motown the Musical's arrival into the West End, they surprised some unsuspecting Virgin Atlantic customers including Richard Branson himself and had the whole plane dancing in the aisles!

5. Celebrity visits

Several celebrities have visited Motown the Musical including several Motown legends. Some of these include Mo Farah, Original Four Top Duke Fakir, Tito, Jackie Jackson and Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams.

Duke Fakir on stage with the cast of Motown the Musical — Duke Fakir on stage with the cast of Motown The Musical
(© Motown The Musical)

6. West End Live

Bringing the West End to Trafalgar Square, Motown has performed at West End Live for the past three years, with the whole crowd singing along to much-loved tunes! Here's their performance from last summer where they had everyone dancing in the square!

7. Sixty years of Motown

This year marks sixty years since Berry Gordy formed Motown Records! With countless number ones and artists who are truly iconic, the legacy lives on with Motown the Musical!

8. Continuing the legacy

Motown the Musical follows the story of founder Berry Gordy and the incredible boom of his record label, launching the careers of stars such as The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more. The show marks a continuation in the legacy of the iconic record label.

9. Motown is currently on tour and opened in Birmingham to rave reviews before heading across the county!

Critic Diana Parkes had heaps of good things to say about the tour, highlighting that "with a strong story at the heart of the musical…you have a gold disc of a show."