You can see why a jukebox musical about Michael Jackson would have broad audience appeal. I mean, look at his extraordinary catalogue of hits.

Dubbed the “King of Pop”, he broke down racial barriers, introduced signature dance moves and revolutionised the music video, while releasing a string of chart-topping songs that reverberated around the globe.

Roman Banks and cast in MJ the Musical. Photo © Daniel Boud

At the same time, it’s impossible to ignore the controversies that surrounded him from his changing appearance to his often bizarre behaviour and, most disturbingly, allegations of child sexual abuse (vehemently denied by his Estate).

Naturally, a jukebox musical – particularly one produced “by special arrangement with the Estate of Michael Jackson” – isn’t going to go anywhere near the latter.

So, MJ the Musical is a kind of balancing act that focuses on Jackson’s creative process and dynamic music, as it traces his career up until the year before the abuse allegations were first made public, while hinting at the scandal to come.

Despite the elephant in the room, it’s a spectacular, thrilling show that does such a sensational job of staging more than 25 of...