He has spent years perfecting the moonwalk.

Now all the hard work and worn-out carpets have proved worth it for Ben Bowman as he sets off on a 37-date national tour as a Michael Jackson tribute act.

The former Sheppey student, who now lives in Medway, will be taking his five-piece band and four dancers to theatres across the country, including two dates in Kent this weekend, staging Jackson Live In Concert.

“I always wanted to perform in theatres, but I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d have a live band, dancers and a light show like this,” he said.

“People say the show is ideal for an arena tour. That would be great.”

Ben’s two-hour performance as the King of Pop includes versions of Thriller, Beat It and Billie Jean and has meant studying hours of interviews and film footage to ensure he can match his hero’s mannerisms.

A chance meeting with keyboard player and sound engineer James Baker, who had just finished touring with singer Kiki Dee, led him towards the career he has now.

The pair teamed up with Sweeney Entertainments, which was looking for top tribute acts to book into theatres.

Ben said: “I love performing, but I am also fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. When I started I had two speakers and a couple of lights. Now we have a state-of-the-art sound system and a spectacular light show programmed by computer for each theatre.

“Until six months ago I was still laying cables around the stage. But James says I should now use the afternoon to prepare for the performance.”

Ben has also settled down with his girlfriend Amy, whom he spotted in the audience one night. The pair now live in Walderslade.

DETAILS

Jackson Live In Concert will be at the Woodville, Gravesend, on Friday, February 12, at 7.30pm. Tickets from £19.50, call 08442 439480. It will also be at Margate Winter Gardens on Saturday, February 13, at 7.30pm. Tickets £20.50 call 01843 292795.
For details go to www.jacksonliveinconcert.co.uk