REVIEW: MJ THE MUSICAL @ PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE

🎭 MJ The Musical

📍 Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS

🗓 Tuesday 23rd September 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️

A DAZZLING BUT LACKING SPECTACLE

It's safe to say that I was OBSESSED with Michael Jackson in the 80s and 90s, and drove my parents insane with constantly playing his albums and only ever wanting to watch Moonwalker on video! So you can imagine how thrilled I was to be invited to the Prince Edward Theatre last night to finally watch MJ THE MUSICAL.

Regulars readers and followers of mine will also know that I am a huge fan of jukebox musicals so on paper this production is right up my street. MJ THE MUSICAL is directed and choreographed by the incredibly talented Christopher Wheeldon and brings Michael Jackson's music to the West End, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of the King of Pop.

The music is of course iconic and the staging and choreography is without a doubt electric. It is an absolute visual treat with absolutely flawless execution of the jaw-dropping choreography being absolute perfection. This cast is certainly talented and extremely hard working.

This is a production that certainly understands the meaning of the word 'spectacle'. Derek McLane's sets and Natasha Katz's lighting design work together magnificently to create a vibrant visual feast. All these aspects combined with the exemplary music makes it easy to be swept up by the electrifying energy.

However while the show is utterly brilliant on a technical level, I can't help but feel it is a very safe and sanitised portrayal which unfortunately feels hollow. The story focuses on the creation of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour which is quite fascinating, but by framing the story here it sidesteps some of the more complex aspects of Jackson's life and feels tight and confined.

The story features Jackson talking in an MTV interview about his life and features flashbacks to his troubled upbringing. For all that is good about the production, the transitions between timelines often felt clunky and it's almost as if they were an afterthought. We see glimpses of Jackson demanding perfection in his show, but there is no real depth here. Lynn Nottage's script feels surprisingly poorly put together and at times becomes tedious. There is so much to explore with Jackson but this is all too snug and secure, which is borderline boring at times.

All these elements create a show that is undeniably a tribute to the musical genius that was Michael Jackson, but as a musical theatre production the story feels severely underdeveloped. We never really get to see the 'man in the mirror'. The interview structure is frustratingly never utilised to its full potential, avoiding asking the tough questions. Some elements of Jackson's life are briefly mentioned and then dismissed while others are completely avoided. He was such a complex and interesting character and this feels like a real missed opportunity for audiences to learn more about who he actually was. The real man behind the facade.

Although the production is hindered by the book, the cast here are exceptional. The ensemble are spellbindingly flawless and, in my personal opinion, are one of the strongest on the West End right now. Their high-energy performance and execution of the choreography is to be celebrated.

Jamaal Fields-Green is perfection in his interpretation of MJ. He fantastically captures the mannerisms and dance moves of the icon with complete precision. He totally recreates the tone and inflections of speech, even if at times the speed of his speech (which is completely reflective of MJ) can be hard to follow. It is an unenviable task to take on and portray someone as iconic as MJ but Fields-Green is triumphant in his portrayal.

In a company that excel so highly in their performance, for me the absolute standout was Mitchell Zhangazha as Michael. His energy was out of this world and his vocal talent knows no bounds. He sells the illusion perfectly and is pure joy to watch.

Ultimately, MJ THE MUSICAL is a high-octane celebration of the legacy of the music of Michael Jackson, is visually spectacular, and is guaranteed to have you up on your feet during the finale. It's just a shame that the book doesn't live up to the technical brilliance of the production.

I suppose it depends what you want from this production. If you want a night of fantastic music performed with excellence by a sublime cast, then this is for you. There's no denying the spectacle around songs such as Bad, Thriller and Black & White is incredible and worth the ticket price alone.

I landed on a star rating of 3 for this show because for me personally the most important part of any production in any genre of theatre is the central story, and this is what's lacking here. Does this mean that I wouldn't see the show again? Well the honest answer is no. The spectacle and cast make for a great night out, even if the story is lacking. I feel it doesn't live up to other jukebox musicals such as Tina or Jersey Boys in this aspect, but it is still a worthwhile theatrical experience.

MJ THE MUSICAL is currently booking until February 2026, and I will definitely be back to see it. If you want to check it out for yourself then click here to head to the London Box Office website where you can access tickets for as little as £20.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of MJ The Musical was gifted by London Box Office who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST AT THIS PERFORMANCE:

Jamaal Fields-Green as MJ; Joshua C Jackson as Rob / Joseph; Mitchell Zhangazha as Michael; Lydia Sterling as Rachel; Jenay Naima as Kate / Katherine; Nay-Nay as Nick / Berry; Christopher Gopaul as Tito / Quincy; Matt Gonsalves as Alejandro; Michael Conley as Dave; Adam Bartlett as Little MJ; Phoenix Beharry as Little Marlon

Ensemble: Darnell Mathew-James; Ike Fallon; Milan Cacacie; Fraser Stewart; Aden Dzuda; Kalisha Johnson; Wilson Kiiru; Buna McCreery-Njie; Filippo Coffano; Tavio Wright; Charlotte-Kate Warren

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 45 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Smoke; Flashing lights; Loud music

AGE GUIDELINE:

8 +