NOW in its glorious ninth year, this non-stop celebration of Michael Jackson's legacy is as visually stunning and vibrant as ever.

It is an out-and-out theatrical celebration - not a documentary and it knows its audience, who want to hear all the hits over 40 years performed with the same passion as Jacko did.

Here, they are accompanied by that trademark Jackson technique of grabbing your attention and not letting go - whether it's a soul bopper, dance-infused rocker or ballad.

Thriller Live will keep any Michael Jackson fan happy and illuminate those not aware of his vast and diverse creative output from Billie Jean to Beat it and Bad.

The first time I saw this West End celebration of MJ, I came away thinking how could they possibly improve on it.

They have.

I came away seeing and hearing elements I never saw first time around.

It is even slicker, tighter, brighter and cinematic.

A high-voltage spectacle coming in at under two and half hours from a hard-working ensemble cast and a top notch on-stage live band.

The first act is 56 minutes and the second 70.

This is a musical show that sees the cast and crew utilise everything at their disposal to entertain just as the 'supernatural' Jackson did in his all too short life from success with his brothers The Jackson Five to solo domination as the media crowned King of Pop.

This show directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd with Britt Quintin as resident director illustrates Michael’s songwriting versatility and incomparable dance innovations as shown by the 'moonwalk.'

Thriller Live, with its recreation of the famous title song and zombie video, has been seen by more than four million people in 30 countries.

At the lively Empire it was also quite a home coming for one cast member - Heswall's Rory Taylor - who provides some rockier moments in Dirty Diana as well as sensitivity in the beautiful slowie She's Out of My Life.

People go nuts when Brazilian Eddy Lima takes on the Jackson persona.

Having seen the real MJ at Aintree in concert I would say Eddy is up there as one of the best singers and dancers to portray him in all his glory.

This is a show with universal appeal.

UnBeatable - five stars

The show ends its Liverpool Empire run on Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 0844 871 3017