Thriller Live about to hit the Cliffs Pavilion

The spectacular concert, created to celebrate the career of the one and only Michael Jackson, has been seen by more than four million people in over 30 countries.

Now audiences at the Cliffs Pavilion can embark on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through the magic of Michael’s 45 year musical history, when the show comes to the venue from Monday through to Saturday (June 4-9). As you’d expect, all of Jackson’s iconic songs will be delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and band, including I Want You Back, ABC, Can You Feel It, Off The Wall, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana, Bad, Rock With You, They Don’t Care About Us, Dangerous and - of course,Thriller.

And leading the way is Britt Quentin, who will be stepping into the shoes of Michael Jackson. Britt has performed in more than 2,300 performances of Thriller Live over six years in the West End.

We asked Britt about what it’s like to take on the role of the king of pop.

Why do you think Thriller Live continues to enthral audiences around the world?

“Because Michael Jackson’s music is timeless and there’s so much of it, with such a big fan base, that there’s a lot of people to sort of pull from. The show attracts people from so many different generations because of just how timeless the music is.”

What can people who are new to the show expect?

“It feels like a concert. It’s not a musical as such, it’s more like a concert with a live band, concert lighting and concert sound. There’s no real storyline, it’s just hit after hit after hit and at several points in the show people in the audience are up dancing, clapping along and singing along.”

When you first joined the show in 2009 did you realise it would become such a sensation?

“To be honest no because you never really know what’s going to work and what isn’t. But probably within my first year of being with the show I thought ‘This is something that’s going to be around for a while and people are going to enjoy it for a long time’ because of the reaction I was able to witness. Seeing people react to Michael’s music as we perform it, I knew we were onto something special.”

As lead vocalist, what’s your favourite song to sing in the show and why?

“It changes over the years because Michael’s back catalogue is so big. Generally for me it’s whatever is the newest addition to the show so right now it’s Remember The Time. The song used to be in the show, then it went away for about six years and now it’s come back, which I’m very happy about.”

And which song is the most challenging for you or the rest of the cast?

“I would say Man In The Mirror is harder to sing than people might think. It’s not his highest-pitched song but it’s very long and it’s the same high notes over and over again. It’s very challenging.”

What keeps the show fresh for you after all these years?

“It’s the audiences. Travelling with the show on tour after being in the West End, it’s a different place every week, sometimes different countries, and it’s the audiences that keep me going and keep it fresh for me. We just came back from a few weeks in Scandinavia and they went crazy for it.”

Have there been any memorable on-stage gaffes?

“Oh dear God, there have been so many! Just a couple of days ago one of the dancers was doing one of her quick changes when a button came off her jeans. They thought they’d done a temporary fix so she could get through the number, but after ten seconds she had to run off stage because her trousers burst open. Me personally, I’ve had to go on stage with no shoes because some of the costume changes are so fast and it has to run like clockwork so you can’t miss your mark. So I’ve had to go out with no shoes on but luckily I was just doing a link and was only out there for about 25 seconds. I’ve also gone out there with no socks and I’ve gone out there and had to exit because my trousers ripped.”

Why do you think Michael Jackson’s music is so beloved?

“Because it touches people regardless of their age, regardless of their social background, regardless of their ethnicity, regardless of where they live, regardless of their religious beliefs. His music touches so many different kinds of people and has done for so long.”

You’re a singer, producer, director and songwriter... What are you rubbish at?

I cannot play the drums. I’d love to be able to and I have tried many times but to no avail. I’m a pretty rhythmic person but I just can’t do it.”

Tickets for Thriller Live at the Cliffs cost £26-£39. Call the box office on 01702 351135.