BELFAST shoppers were stunned to see Michael Jackson moonwalking in the city centre this week.
While the high kicks and the distinctive outfits the late 'the king of pop' loved were present and correct, the man behind them was actually Britt Quentin, star of the hit West End musical Thriller Live which begins its Belfast run at The Waterfront Hall tonight until Saturday.
It's 35 years since Jackson's Thriller revolutionised music videos, causing several generations to try to perfect the stunning dance routine where ghouls, vampires and zombies were suddenly cool.
Thriller went on to become the world's best selling album, with 65 million copies bought worldwide.
Those who still love the world's greatest entertainer, who died in June 2009, will be treated to hits from the album such as the title track Thriller, Wanna Be Starting Something, Billy Jean and other classic solo hits, plus numbers like Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Can You Feel It and ABC by The Jacksons.
American singer, musician and director Britt Quentin has more than 2,320 performances as Michael Jackson under his belt in the West End since 2012.
"The show feels more like a concert than a musical as a lot of the dances we do are re-enactment of Michael's music videos, the lighting, the band changes," said Britt.
It's the first visit for the 43-year-old to Belfast and he told The Irish News that he was looking forward to the experience as he had good things about the city.
"Some of the other cast members have been here and they warned me to expect the people to be up for a good time," says the classically trained violinist and singer, who was raised in Detroit, Michigan.
The fact that Britt physically looks and sounds like Michael Jackson is great for the audience.
Britt says: "When I was younger I was compared to him so much because of what I looked like and I always had a high singing voice, so I really kicked against it as a child as I didn't want to be him.
"As I got older I thought he was so good it was like a compliment so I just embraced it."
Britt adds that the show – which has two other casts and tours throughout the world – has the full blessing of the Jackson family and his estate.
Playing to different audiences helps the star to keep his performances 'on point'.
"Every audience acts differently and that helps keep it fresh for yourself, but luckily for us the show changes as Michael's catalogue (of songs) is so big that you couldn't fit it all in a two hour show – so we take songs out and add different ones in."
Britt and the cast will be working hard to ensure that the audience are treated to an authentic Michael Jackson live experience.
"I really enjoy the challenge of the expectation that people have when they see the name Michael Jackson", he adds.
:: Tickets for Thriller Live are available via Waterfront.co.uk
