DIRECTOR and choreographer of London's West End, 'Thriller Live!' is bringing the hit show to Bournemouth next month, just months after the release of his book.

Gary Lloyd grew up dancing, competing in Latin and Ballroom competitions from the age of six.

It was in the later years of his childhood that he walked down the stage school path, attending Laine Theatre Arts aged 16.

Gary's love of Michael Jackson also stemmed from his youth, with Michael's albums being the soundtrack to his childhood.

He explained: "I was about nine years-old when I heard 'Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough'. It was like everything I listened to before Michael was in black and white and this was Technicolour."

Following wide and varied success within the industry, Gary began work on 'Thriller Live!' in 2008 with his old friend Adrian Grant.

Prior to 'Thriller Live's!' inception and tour in 2008, the show was initially set up as a Michael Jackson fanclub and celebratory performance by Adrian, with help from the King of Pop himself.

Gary said: "I watched the first celebratory performance at the London Pavilion and I loved it. Adrian brought me in to help shape the celebration into a production. We then went on tour in 2008."

Building up to be a West End performance entailed a lot of work, and proved to be even more challenging following the death of Michael Jackson in 2009.

'Thriller Live!' opened in the West End on January 2 2009, only five months prior to Michael Jackson's death in the June.

Michael Jackson's death propelled 'Thriller Live!' towards great success and is now one of the UK’s longest running musicals.

After many years working on the show, Gary decided it was time to share his experiences through his book, 'My Life With Michael. 10 Years of Thriller Live!'

Gary said: "I have written about things that happen backstage. It's a crazy bubble of a world. 'Thriller Live!' has been an absolute gift. It's a blessing to be running for over 10 years, across the UK and the world."

'Thriller Live!' will be moving out of its West End home the Lyric Theatre in April, so the performances at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth in April and May will be the last performances for a while as the move is made.

To see 'Thriller Live!' in Bournemouth from April 27 - May 2, visit: http://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/whats-on/thriller-live-2020/

Alternatively, you can call 01202 055660 or email bhlive.tickets@bhlive.org.uk

'My Life With Michael' can be purchased on Amazon and Waterstones.