It’s been quite a week in London. The weatherman was actually correct and we are in the middle of a heat wave, last seen in the UK circa 2003. It’s quite a shock to the system; usually we are all drowning in torrential rain by July. Perhaps by uttering these words I’m tempting fate….it is only the beginning of month. Thankfully, I write this in relative comfort due to the air con at Discount Theatre Towers.

Usually such weather is the most talked about thing in the pubs, however, Michael Jackson’s untimely and tragic death at the age of 50 wins the prize. Due to start his residency at the O2 in a few weeks time, his comeback concerts were rightly one of the most hyped events for this summer. Whatever the controversy surrounding his life, I’m sure that most people agree that in his heyday he was the ultimate performer.

In the West End, we’ve seen shrines at the Lyric Theatre, where Thriller –Live the musical is playing, and at HMV in Piccadilly Circus. People also have gathered at the O2, lighting candles and laying flowers at commemorative plasma screen.

I wonder how things have changed for the performers in Thriller-Live, the audiences are probably exuding a more emotional response to the show as they try to connect with the music. Visible emotion is evident in the memorials placed at the entrance to the theatre. Demand for the show has been high, just as Jackson’s albums, (some are 30 years old) are also dominating the music charts.

Thriller- Live may be the alternative for fans that bought tickets for the O2 concerts that will never happen. It will be substitution…. but still a chance to enjoy the music.