Michael Jackson. The King of Pop. The greatest entertainer of all time. These are all names that describe the man who provided the world with legendary music, iconic dancing, and dazzling costumes for thirty years. Seeing Michael Jackson perform live is described by fans as an otherworldly experience. From the unique songs to the outstanding set designs, it’s a memory that will last forever. Ben Bowman, Britain’s top Michael Jackson tribute star, is giving fans the opportunity to experience this magic once again at the Brighton Centre in May. People will be transported back in time when catchy pop songs, red leather jackets, and moonwalks ruled the stage.

James Baker Productions is bringing the ‘Michael Starring Ben’ tribute show to the Brighton Centre on the 19th of May. This show is suitable for people of all ages. James Baker, producer, said: “It’s a family show we tend to get people who love Michael Jackson’s music but aren’t necessarily completely specific about every last detail.” All of Michael Jackson’s popular songs will be performed including Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, and Man in the Mirror. Music from The Jackson 5 will be performed, and there will be a live band and dancers. James Baker, said: “It’s a high energy, all singing, all dancing Michael Jackson live concert. We believe it’s as close as you’ll get to watching Michael Jackson live.”

Ben Bowman performing on stage (Image: James Baker Productions)

This tribute show takes months of preparation from Ben Bowman. This includes rehearsing songs, creating dance routines, and watching Michael Jackson’s past performances. Ben Bowman, Michael Jackson tribute star, said: “I’m always watching footage back of myself and criticising myself because I’m my own worst critic. I’m not just someone who’s walked into this. I’m mad, I’m Michael Jackson as well.” Ben Bowman has been performing this show for eighteen years. Ben Bowman, said: “I’ve had my ups and downs through it, I’ve gone on stage with no voice and just kept my fingers crossed for the two hours.” Ben Bowman’s Michael Jackson costumes are made by a costume designer, and they take weeks to complete. James Baker, said: “There’s a belt that he wears in the show and it’s got 150,000 diamantes sewn into it. That took a long while.”

Imitating someone as renowned as Michael Jackson can lead to negativity and backlash from fans. Ben Bowman, said: “I’ve had in the past ‘too fat’ or ‘don’t sing like him’ and you think well, I’m a different person. I do battle and watch my weight, and diet and work out constantly, and that’s partly as a result of those comments a few years ago.” This tribute show also receives positive reviews, as Ben Bowman is regarded as one of the best Michael Jackson tribute acts in Britain. His show is loved by fans across the UK and in certain parts of the world, such as Sweden, where he recently performed. Ben Bowman, said: “I work closely with my choreographer who is extremely good at translating what I would like, I try to make it as authentic as possible.”

Ben Bowman performing on stage (Image: James Baker Productions)

Ben Bowman first watched Michael Jackson perform live when he was eight years old, and instantly became a fan of the King of Pop. Ben Bowman, said: “I was absolutely starstruck.” He went on to study performing arts at college, as he wanted to pursue a career on stage. Ben Bowman, said: “I was sat in college being told that the minimum wage for a dancer in the West End was £70 so I’m thinking, well, I can make more money by being Michael Jackson.” Ben Bowman had always danced like Michael Jackson when he was a child, and was often told by friends that he sounds like him. He started by performing his Michael Jackson tribute show in halls and at weddings and working for agencies. He now performs in large theatres and arenas with crowds of up to 30,000 people.

Michael Jackson fans are known to be emotional when seeing him perform live. They are often seen crying, screaming, and running onto the stage to be close to the late singer. Some fans have fainted at his shows from the excitement of seeing him, and they were carried off by security. The hysteria created by Michael Jackson has not been replicated by any other musician to that extent. Ben Bowman has experienced similar reactions whilst performing his show. Ben Bowman, said: “People that run up to you at the meet and greets crying and saying, ‘oh my god it was just like watching him’ that’s amazing for me. That’s exactly what I want to create.”

Ben Bowman performing on stage (Image: James Baker Productions)

This performance at the Brighton Centre is part of a UK-wide tour for the ‘Michael Starring Ben’ production. It will be performed in other cities including Liverpool, Leeds, and Birmingham. This production tours all throughout the year, and they perform a few days a week every week. This is the first time that this show is being performed in Brighton. This tribute show is based on Michael Jackson’s three world tours Dangerous, History, and Bad. They have used elements of Michael Jackson’s London O2 arena residency which was set to occur in 2009, before it was cancelled.

Tickets for ‘Michael Starring Ben’ cost £28.50, and they can be purchased from the Brighton Centre’s website.

To find out more visit https://brightoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2023/michael-starring-ben/.