There are few artists whose songs generate quite the same buzz as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Translate that kind of sound into a West End musical, and you’ll have one of the most electrifying longest-running shows in the capital. Case in point: Thriller Live, which played a stunning 4000th London performance last night, starring Peter Andre for one night only.
Alongside fellow guest stars Russell Kane, Jon Culshaw and Kieran Alleyne – who won the coveted role of young MJ way back in 2008, and now plays the adult role – Andre led a spectacular celebration of the production’s landmark achievement. And even better: it was all in aid of The Prince’s Trust, the charity which helps disadvantaged young people to get their lives on track.
The gala night also heralded a year-long partnership between the show and the charity, which will include a commitment to provide tickets, workshops and a mentoring programme.
What an absolute honour performing on the west end stage for Michael Jackson’s Thriller 4000th show for the Princes trust.
Here is a little snippet
@tajjackson @tjjackson9 @princejackson @parisjackson @poppa3t @janetjackson @latoyajackson @jackiejackson5 #princestrust pic.twitter.com/OKAklNMMMJ— Peter Andre (@MrPeterAndre) September 13, 2018
It wasn’t Andre’s first time taking on the hits of Michael Jackson; he’d previously performed Man In The Mirror on Children In Need in 2010.
You can enjoy a selection of images of Andre’s show-stopping performance, as well as the poignant moment that Alleyne played Michael Jackson alongside the current youthful counterpart, below (all snapped by Betty Zapata).
Peter Andre performing at Thriller Live’s 4000th show
Peter Andre performing at Thriller Live’s 4000th show
Peter Andre performing at Thriller Live’s 4000th show
Kieran Alleyne (MJ) and Xhanti Mbonzongwana (young MJ) performing Billie Jean
Kieran Alleyne (MJ) and Xhanti Mbonzongwana (young MJ) performing Billie Jean
Thriller Live first Moonwalked into the Lyric Theatre on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue in January 2009, where, as of last night, the pulsating sound of many of pop’s greatest hits have been heard 4000 times. Also touring internationally, it has been seen by over 4.5 million people in 33 countries.
Thriller Live is currently booking until 7 April 2019.