Thriller Live (Tour – Manchester)

Hit show Thriller Live gives Michael Jackson fans the chance to revisit his greatest hits and see the impact he had – earning him the title "The King of Pop".

The lead vocalists guide us through his days with The Jackson 5 through to his fixation with "Healing the World". Along the way there's some cheese, but instead of cringe, you will enjoy these moments – due to the professionalism of the cast and the slick direction.

Cleopatra Higgins is a diva and has massive stage presence. Once these classic songs are in her capable hands, you know you are in for a treat. She has all the moves too. The only downside is, whenever she is off stage, you do notice and find yourself longing for the "PYT" to come back. Vocally, she hits the heights, but like MJ himself, it's her attitude and love of performing that makes her far more than a good singer.

Sean Christopher moonwalks his way through "Billie Jean" and the title song and has the audience eating out of his hands. During much of his sections of the show, there is an over emphasis on pre-recorded backing vocals. But when the man can rise to the challenge of Gary Lloyd's dazzling choreography, no-one will be complaining. Tyrone Lee's Luther Vandross style vocals bring a sense of clam to the proceedings and he makes a capable host.

Jesse Smith is lumbered with a "rock" persona. I say lumbered because his style stands out and is far more suited to shows he has been in previously such as Bohemian Rhapsody. He has great range in his voice, but the "act" that goes with it looks like something from a soft rock video from the 1980s. This is the sort of thing that the musical and film Rock of Ages sends up so some of it looks comical. Then you realise, it's totally serious.

The dancers fill the stage and keep the show moving forward. There is so much commitment here that the odd flaw is soon forgotten as Thriller's got talent and lots of it. The band provide the classic riffs to the likes of "Beat It" and "Black or White" and have the audience eating of their hands.

The main star of this show is the tremendous back catalogue. Some song choices seem slightly odd ("Dangerous" and "This Place Hotel") but the classics that you know and love are all here.

Expect to see some moonwalking fans in Manchester, as Thriller has all the right moves to stay with us for a while longer yet.

Thriller Live is at the Manchester Opera House until 1st February.