Theatre Review: Thriller Live - Edinburgh Playhouse ✭✭✭

Thriller Live

Review by Mhairi Greer

From pop and disco to rock and R&B, Thriller - Live takes the audience on a journey through Michael Jackson's outstanding and diverse musical career.

The show begins by going back to where it all began, The Jackson Five, where Emmanuel Sakyi (young Michael) steals the audiences' hearts with his outstanding performance of I'll Be There.

Throughout the show the lead vocalists - Andrew Derbyshire, Samantha Johnson, John Moabi, Oggie, Chikezie Eze and Deborah Dada - excelled and even delivered on some of the more challenging numbers. Although, on more than one occasion, song cues were noticeably missed. The cast were joined on stage by the exceptionally talented band, whose strong stage presence and guitar solos created a concert like atmosphere.

Although the show began with songs by the Jackson Five it did not follow chronological order and without a clear storyline or narrator to guide the audience through any plot, it was a risk of becoming a tribute concert on a slightly cheap looking stage.  

In spite of this, the entire cast excelled in act 2 and delivered polished performances and slick dance routines, particularly during Beat It. Lead dancer Michael Duke was amazing and captured Michael Jackson's signature dance moves and facial expressions perfectly, with the 'moonwalk' receiving a, much deserved, huge cheer from the audience.

Without a doubt, Thriller - Live pays a fitting tribute to Michael Jackson by recreating some of his most iconic and lavish productions, complete with a sequinned white glove. It also highlights the songs where he expressed his feelings towards social justice and world peace.

Undoubtedly a hit with the audience Thriller - Live delivers strong vocals and sharp dance routines, which seamlessly travel through the many genre of Michael Jackson's greatest hits and capture his epic talent. Whether you're a fan of Michael Jackson or not, leaving the theatre it's impossible not to feel the musical world has lost a great talent.

Thriller - Live! is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 4th May 2013