Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror, Golders Green Hippodrome

Golders Green’s Grade II-listed hippodrome was once a grand variety theatre before it became a TV studio and then a church.

Various BBC orchestras, Laurence Olivier, Marlene Dietrich, Sir Ian McKellen and even Queen have graced its stage – but by the early noughties the crumbling neo-classical gem was on English Heritage’s at risk register.

In 2007 a Christian group bought and restored it and since 2021 it has been owned by Hillsong Church, which is leasing it out for occasional concerts and theatre, including this Michael Jackson show.

Thriller complete with dry ice and zombies was a highlight of the night. (Image: Man in the Mirror) I wasn’t sure what to expect but Michael Jackson tribute artist CJ is an absolute powerhouse performer – nailing the star’s breathy, high-pitched vocals and hip-hop inflected dance moves.

Backed by a quartet of dancers and a lively, four-strong live band including two guitarists and a drummer, he revs up the crowd over an impressive array of numbers – with costume changes conjuring the late star’s iconic looks.

From quasi-military jackets to spats, hats, moonwalks and elaborate business with a sparkly glove, Jacko became almost a parody of himself in his lifetime, and my uninitiated teenager was a bit bemused.

Tribute artist CJ nailed both Michael Jackson’s vocals and moves, alongside his iconic looks, (Image: Man in the Mirror) But there’s no place for cynics or allegations about his private life here, as an audience of diehard fans whooped along to Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean and Rock With You.

CJ touchingly confesses that since the age of four he was a fan of the man he calls the greatest pop performer the world has ever known.

And the night proves the sheer diversity and breadth of a career that began aged six and spanned Motown, rock, pop, hip-hop and the saccharine soupiness of Heal The World and Earth Song.

I defy anyone not to jive in your seat at the medley of the Jackson Five’s greatest hits, from Blame it on the Boogie to Shake Your Body and Can You Feel It.

Another highlight is Thriller, complete with Vincent Price voiceover, rolling dry ice, and backing dancers as neck-jerking zombies.

The Hippodrome itself is also a spectacle with its giant doric columns, statues of charioteers pulled by lions, original terrazzo tiling and velvet seats, it was a treat to see inside what English Heritage call “a rare example of a surviving suburban theatre largely intact”.