The king of pop’s reign in the West End will continue into next year following the news that hit Michael Jackson tribute Thriller Live has extended its booking period at the Lyric Theatre until 17 April 2016.
The musical concert, which recently began its seventh year at the London venue, becoming the longest running show in the Lyric Theatre’s history, is hoping to continue its record-breaking success with two weeks of charity collections for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day.
Talking about what they hope to achieve, Thriller Live producers Paul Walden and Derek Nicol said: “We are thrilled that Thriller Live goes from strength to strength, setting new records and passing even more impressive West End milestones. We now want to encourage [the audiences] to dig into their pockets and give as much as to Comic Relief as they can as our cast do bucket collections at the theatre exits. Michael Jackson dedicated much of his life to helping those less fortunate in the world and we believe that Comic Relief through their work around the globe are carrying on that great and worthy tradition.”
The hit concert’s previous fundraising initiatives have seen soul singer Macy Gray, former X Factor winner Joe McElderry, British girl group Stooshe and a moonwalking Pudsey all take to the stage of the Lyric Theatre.
Featuring more than 20 performers, Thriller Live combines eye-popping video footage and effects with Gary Lloyd’s dazzling choreography to create a show that gives new life to many of Jackson’s greatest hits including I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, Man In The Mirror, Dirty Diana, Billie Jean and Earth Song.
The Jackson tribute is just one of the 16 long-running West End shows eligible for the This Morning Audience Award at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard. You can help support your favourite show by visiting the Olivier Awards website and casting your vote before midday on 5 March, when the first round of voting closes.
If Thriller Live were to take home the public-voted award on the night of the glittering ceremony, it would mean a double celebration for the musical, as 12 April, the date of this year’s awards, will also see Thriller Live overtake Oliver! to become the 18th longest-running show in West End history.