Thriller Live: Darlington Civic Theatre

AS a reviewer, I try not to get carried away but I confess I have sometimes used glowing terms when describing a show. After tonight’s performance of Thriller Live I’m feeling that any superlatives I may have used in the past have been wasted.

This is, without a doubt, the best compilation music show I have ever seen, and it’s not just because it features the music of a man who changed the face of musical entertainment. The music, the vocals, the dancing are all absolutely spot-on, capturing the unique appeal that made Michael Jackson a legend. In many of the songs, four voices are used in clever arrangements that reproduce the original sounds, and when those four vocalists perform individually they knock your socks off. I have to mention Angelica Allen as female lead vocalist, standing in for Cleopatra Higgins; I haven’t heard the latter sing but if Angelica Allen is the understudy she must be quite something.

Rory Taylor looks more Meatloaf than Jacko but his voice is sublime; his rendition of She’s Out of My Life (without the sobbing, thank goodness) is stunning.

Then there’s Sean Christopher who has the master’s moves down to a T; those trademark hand and head movements – when he’s on stage you can’t take your eyes off him. And he sings as well. The costumes dazzle and sparkle, the lighting and special effects are electrifying if you’ll pardon the pun. If you’re ever going to see a show this year, make it this one.

n Runs until Saturday. Box Office: 01325-486555 or darlingtoncivic.co.uk

Sue Heath