Michael Jackson review: Ben is uncanny as the King of Pop at Cornwall show

The Michael Starring Ben show returned to Cornwall and it was anything but Bad
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


I'm not a fan of tribute acts. In the past, I've been a bit critical of the Hall for Cornwall for the amount of musical homages it programmes, when Cornish music lovers could be treated to far more original acts on the Truro theatre's stage.

I get why the venue books them, though - they're guaranteed ticket shifters and it gives people a chance to wallow in nostalgia for a couple of hours, particularly if your favourite artist has joined the great backstage area in the sky ... and there's nothing wrong with that.

A friend of mine, who's of the same mindset as me, was taken aback when he found himself crying at a performance by a George Michael tribute at HfC last year because it reminded him so much of an artist he loves (and treated his legacy with respect). Against my better judgement, I always check out the latest Bowie tribute because, well, it's Bowie and any chance to hear those songs again is more than welcome - even by someone who sounds more like Anthony Newley than the former David Jones.

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So it was that I found myself sat in the stalls on Saturday night on behalf of my daughter who loves the late King of Pop and raved about this show when she saw it a couple of years ago. It was hard not to get swept up in the excitement - a lot of people made an effort. There seemed to be a black fedora and sequin glove on every row.

I'll admit, I thought it was going to be Bad but the two-hour extravaganza was a Thriller. That's down to Michael Jackson himself, or should I say Ben Bowman. Despite being the wrong colour (though it's debatable what colour Jacko was come the end of his life), Ben has the man down to an uncanny degree - the moves, the vocals, the shamone-style tics (it was hilarious just how many people shouted out the famous high-pitched 'ee ee' between songs).

I've got to admit, I was astounded when I read after the show that he's from Kent. Fedora off, Ben had me fooled.

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Throw in a fantastic four-piece band (the guitarist could shred - there was no need for an Eddie Van Halen) and four great dancers, and it was a full-on show not just a mimic going through the motions. And Ben definitely doesn't go through the motions - he must be knackered after all that moon walking and hip thrusting (especially after also performing a matinee show earlier in the day).

The songs were faultless - it shows just how many classics Michael had when the show drops Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ as the first track. Blame It On The Boogie, a medley of early Jackson 5 hits like ABC, Black and White, They Don't Care About Us, The Way You Make Me Feel, Human Nature, a double rocking whammy of Beat It and Dirty Diana - all your favourites got an airing.

Earth Song has always made me laugh mainly due to Michael's messianic performance in the video and Jarvis Cocker's reaction to the overblown rendition at the Brits all those years ago, but it was hard not to be moved by the sheer ludicrous epic nature of it on Saturday.

Michael's balladry was on show (a perfect version of I'll Be There) as was the funk (an absolutely killer Smooth Criminal, which rivalled any West End musical theatre showstopper - it was moments like this that you could be forgiven for thinking you were watching the REAL Michael). Man In The Mirror got us to our feet for a rousing singalong while an ecstatic Billie Jean had a lot of us middle aged people dancing (never a pretty sight).

I could have done without the soppy, OTT (MJ loved to overegg an emotion) Heal The World as the final track, despite its pertinent message. This is about as close as you'll ever get to see Michael Jackson these days - long may Ben wear the King of Pop's crown.

The show is definitely worth catching - it will no doubt return to Cornwall in the future, but if you can't wait until then, Michael Starring Ben – The Magic of Michael Jackson comes to Exmouth Pavilion on June 14, Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay, on September 19 and Plymouth Pavilions on October 18. See the website for tickets.