Thriller Live!

The show that aims to remind us all of the genius that was Michael Jackson has a West End residency as well as this touring show which gives those in the regions a great chance to see it without popping up/down to London - the Hippodrome was packed the night we saw it and people were having a great time.

The format of shows like this falls between several camps; it's not a play with music, its not quite a tribute concert and it certainly isn't a musical. The numbers (which cover most of Michael's career) are performed by the singers and dancers with great gusto and are occasionally interrupted by narration of aspects of Michael's life and career. Did I ned up feeling I knew more about him than when I started? Frankly no. Did I enjoy myself? Mostly. Did it remind me how brilliant he was? Certainly; hearing the music and seeing the routines made me go home and dig out Bad and Thriller and give them a new listen.

The performers threw their hearts and souls into it, but in the end it fell somewhat short for me, there's just not enough people on stage, the music/vocal balance is wrong and Thriller itself was a bit of a smoke-hazed disappointment ... just not enough snap and precision, perhaps leaving it till last leaves the team too tired?

Having said that, its a fun night out ...