Thriller Live to close at the Lyric Theatre after 11 years

Thriller Live will end its West End run next year, after 11 years.

The Michael Jackson show will depart the Lyric Theatre in April 2020 as the venue prepares for a major refurbishment.

Producers said “plans are in hand” to transfer the production to another West End theatre once it has closed at the Lyric, with an international tour beginning in Switzerland in December.

Thriller Live, which features the music of Jackson and the Jackson 5, has been running in the West End since 2009.

Thriller Live review at Lyric London

It will have played for 11 years when it closes on April 26, and will be the 11th longest-running musical in West End history.

Nimax, which owns the Lyric, will then carry out a refurbishment of the 960-seat venue, beginning in May 2020. Details have not yet been announced.

Nimax’s Nica Burns said: “Thriller Live has had the most extraordinary run at the Lyric, making our audiences very happy. The show will continue to thrill and entertain worldwide for many years to come.”

Producers Paul Walden and Derek Nicol said the show’s final seven months would include a series of special events and guest stars.

They added: “Audiences at the Lyric Theatre have had a wonderful 11 years enjoying the magic of Michael Jackson’s outstanding musical legacy.

“A big thank you to the Nimax team, particularly the fantastic staff at the Lyric Theatre, for our record-breaking run as we plan the next chapter of the show’s incredible journey.”