Emerging R&B star Kieran Alleyne will return to Thriller Live tonight (22 January) to help mark the show’s fifth birthday.
The singer, whose song Atmosphere has already been played on Radio 1, performed in the show singing the songs of a young Michael Jackson when the production first opened at the Lyric Theatre.
In 2009, 13-year-old Alleyne was a schoolboy from Leicester with no formal acting training. He was picked from an open audition of thousands to appear in the West End musical spectacular that celebrates the work of Jackson and The Jackson 5.
Now, thanks to a YouTube channel that brought him to the attention of music executive Max Gousse, Alleyne is building a career as a recording artist and is already a style ambassador for Adidas Neo.
Speaking about Alleyne, Gary Lloyd, Thriller Live’s director and choreographer, said: “Kieran was a wonderful discovery when he turned up on a freezing cold morning at our West End open call auditions. In 2008 we were literally seeing hundreds of youngsters, many with experience in musicals like The Lion King, Oliver! and Billy Elliot. But Kieran immediately stood out from the crowd. He had a pure sound and great stage presence despite his lack of formal training. I am delighted that he’s forging a new career as a successful recording artist and to welcome him back to the Thriller Live family now singing as the adult MJ. Wednesday 22 January promises to a very special night full of surprises.”
Musical extravaganza Thriller Live features more than 30 of Jackson’s most popular songs, from Billy Jean and Beat It to ABC and Earth Song. Since opening in London, the constantly evolving production has played more than 2,000 performances in the West End, set a new record as the longest running show at the Lyric Theatre and been seen on tour in 26 countries.