Photos: Thriller becomes Lyric’s longest running show

Thriller Live!, the tribute show to late pop singer Michael Jackson, has become the longest running show at the Lyric Theatre since it opened in 1888.

The show, which takes over the record from Cameron Mackintosh‘s production of Five Guys Named Moe, opened in the West End in January 2009. It 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 “Thriller”.

Nica Burns with the West End cast and backstage crew of
Thriller Live. Photo:Irina Chira

Nica Burns, chief executive of Nimax Theatres took to the stage after the performance and presented trophies to producers Paul Walden and Derek Nicol, director/choreographer Gary Lloyd, musical supervisor John Maher and original creator Adrian Grant, whose personal affiliation with Michael Jackson spanned 21 years.

Nica Burns strikes a Michael Jackson pose with actors Ramon Mariqueo Smith and David Jordan. Photo:Irina Chira

Burns told the audience after the show: “You are part of history being made tonight. Michael Jackson won so many amazing awards and set some impressive records in his lifetime – and he continues to do that today!”

Nica Burns with (left to right) Derek Nicol (producer) Gary
Lloyd (director/choreographer), Adrian Grant (original creator) Paul
Walden (producer) & John Mahr (musical
supervisor). Photo:Irina Chira

Tribute was paid to all the singers and dancers who have performed in the production and backstage staff involved in the last 4 years of shows. Currently starring Ramon Mariqueo Smith and David Jordan, the show is booking until 16 March 2014.