UNLIKE most tribute shows inspired by late stars of rock and pop, Thriller Live has only the briefest of narrated biography and instead goes for a blast of virtually non-stop Michael Jackson songs performed amid dazzling stage effects and with spectacular dance routines.

It conveys the essence of Jackson’s flamboyant entertainment appeal ¬– his music and marvellous way with movement – and creates a party atmosphere with audience participation rather than delving into a shortened life that latterly contained much that was downbeat.

Choreography by Gary Lloyd, who also directs, is fast-paced and inventive, set against constantly changing kaleidoscopic light and glittering motifs on LED panels, brilliant in concept as well as effect. Costumes nod to Jackson’s dress style or reflect themes in the songs – alarmingly so in the case of zombies for a Bad sequence.

Among the large cast of talented young singers and dancers are five lead vocalists, including on Monday night female understudy Angelica Allen in powerful voice. Songs span Jackson’s career from Motown music to disco hits from Thriller and environmentally and socially motivated lyrics of the 1990s, with a band performing vigorously from behind the illuminated screen.

After the first half focus chiefly on themes of love and friendship, there’s an explosive turn to undercurrents of aggression and frenzy in the second. Angry and dramatic, Dirty Diana is followed by a breathtakingly upbeat routine for Man in the Mirror, performers in sparkling white, before the impassioned full company lament of Earth Song, with screen images of nature’s lush greenery displaced by colours of fire and pollution.

A figure in trademark trilby with pulled-down brim and dangling hair flits in and out of early scenes until Sean Christopher’s uncannily accurate impersonations, sequinned glove, moonwalk and other style statements, have the audience cheering.

Pru Farrier