Wacko, Jacko, Backo, Cracko!

Don't stop 'till we get enough, not quite the right song title but surely what the capacity house at Leeds Grand was shouting last night as Thriller Live took to the stage with all the spark of a Motown firecracker.

But at the end they were on their feet screaming for more and, as the house lights came up, they clearly hadn't had enough!

However, if the measure of a cast is how hard its members work and the enthusiasm they inject into each performance, then surely this crew must deserve top marks.

All the Jacko fans were out in strength in their flashing gloves, trilbies and moonwalk shoes, and dined sumptuously on all their favourites, Thriller, Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal, Bad and many more.

Clearly, I'd heard of the show but, in truth, was not entirely sure what to expect. Was it going to be like Mamma Mia, a storyline inspired by Abba's lyrics, or something else? It was the latter and, in fairness, lived up to its name, something akin to a live concert, evidenced by the teen who screamed in my ear more consistently than a bonfire night firework! But I enjoyed it, the show, not her screams!

Thriller Live is loosely strung together by a thin, historical narrative, articulated by a couple of cast members, however, take away those words and it is simply a tribute to Michael Jackson's music with stunning dancing, power and thumping melodies that we have all come to love. And there's nothing wrong with that if you are in the Jackson groove, but don't go looking for a great script cos it ain't there!

All said, the cast was top notch although I had to smile at the biog notes; had their mothers been hard at work in the run up to opening night? Lead vocalist Britt Quentin is, apparently, a prodigy whilst fellow lead vocalist Sean Christopher is a 'somewhat natural talent'. Thank you ladies, your adjectives got past the proof department.

Twinkle in the eye aside, these were a bunch of great performers who took their adoring audience through Jackson's life, starting when he was a kid and then a member of the Jackson Five, with a string of his earlier music Rockin Robin, ABC and I'll Be There.

The first half was at 60% capacity, however, in true musical style, the second half built and the cast left them baying for more. Always leave them on a high and they did.

It was hard to hear the cast announcements at the end, in all the melee, but I 'think' it was Antony Morgan who was the man with the Jackson moves; if so 10 out 10. If not, pass my score on to the man who deserves it!

Some tracks were live, some appeared to be bolstered by backing tracks, however, in a show where such dynamic dance is a perquisite, that's to be expected; you can't be pitch perfect and also be expected to give your all in the 'moves' department!

It was a little cheesy, if pantoesque at times - my side can sing better than your side - but overall I won't take anything away from this cast for the sake of trying to make myself clever with some overburdened adjectives. They were all good, they worked hard, sang well and pulled this musical together with all the dexterity of a weaver on the Bayeux Tapestry.

Thriller Live
Leeds Grand
until Saturday