West End ‘THRILLER Live’ Star Ben Forster

One Nation Magazine’s Nige Burton chats to West End star Ben Forster as he releases his first album

It’s a scorching summer’s day as I make my way to London’s Lyric Theatre to meet up with Ben Forster. Currently starring in the Michael Jackson tribute show Thriller, this talented twenty-something hails from England’s north eastern corner and is every inch a real life Billy Elliot.

“I was always singing when I was a kid,” says Ben with a warm smile as he ushers me through to the theatre’s bar. “I was influenced by such diverse artists as Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Elton John and, of course, Michael Jackson.

“I loved to sing, but I could only dream of one day doing it for a living!”

Thriller has been wowing audiences in the West End since its inception in 2006, and Ben is proud to be a part of this stunning presentation of Jacko’s back catalogue, but there have been one or two raised eyebrows along the way.

“I’m one of the few white members of the cast,” he tells me, “which shouldn’t make any difference really – I’ve been a huge fan of Michael’s music all my life, but one or two people have been a little sceptical of my inclusion in the cast. I think they think I should be black, but once they see and hear me perform, any resistance seems to melt away. It’s even more of an honour to be performing such wonderful songs in the light of Michael’s sad passing. It’s very emotional, but we get to perform a nightly tribute, which is very special.”

Being cast in the show has taken Ben a step further towards his dream, but one of his greatest achievements to date has to be the much-anticipated release of his first album this month.

“I’m really proud of this collection,” says Ben, “I’ve signed with Schizofreniks Records, who are a small, friendly outfit, which gives me some freedom to do what I want.”

It’s all a far cry from Ben’s humble upbringing in Millfield, Sunderland, where his loving family nurtured and supported his ambitions from a very early age.

“My dad was a plumber and my mum a community worker,” recalls Ben, “and they could not have been more supportive. My sister, Abbey, is also into the performing arts, and they’ve really encouraged both of us throughout our lives – we’re very fortunate.”

Ben attended Thornhill school, and remembers they were “absolutely brilliant” when it came to developing his skills and enthusiasm.

“While growing up, I would take every opportunity to perform,” he says. “I did a commercial for the Newcastle Building Society, which was my first professional job.

At the age of 14, I decided to enter the ‘Search for a Star’ competition between local comprehensive schools in Sunderland.

“I sang Starlight Express and won the competition, and as a result my music teacher, Mrs Bennett, gave me a form for the National Youth Music Theatre. I applied for it, came down to London and got in! It was a fantastic experience.”

At just 16, Ben moved permanently to London to pursue his career, and trained at the world famous Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts. It was during this time that he was chosen to be part of the BBC’s prime time fly on the wall documentary The Dream Academy, which was seen by over three million people.

“My West End debut came when I was 17,” Ben remembers with an excited grin. “I was cast in La Cava, and that led to a role in a production of Lennon and McCartney’s All You Need is Love, which was my introduction to some of the really great songs and, ultimately, to my passion for writing my own stuff.”

This began Ben’s hunt for a record deal at the age of 20, and he eventually signed with an independent label based in the North West, but after recording and producing his first live album of ten songs, disappointment struck. “I was very excited,” says Ben, “but it wasn’t to last, as the record company went bankrupt.

“But fate smiled down on me yet again, and I was asked to return to the West End to star in The hit musical Grease, where I played the part of Doody for a year before taking it to Tokyo for a further 2 months.”

A passionate songwriter and performer, Ben is a regular on the London music scene, playing at some of the city’s top venues. “I’ve even performed in front of such artists as Liam and Noel Gallagher and soul singer Gabrielle,” he says proudly. “It was a bit daunting, but it went down very well!”

Rated by the Sunday Mirror as the male Amy Winehouse, this energetic young star is carving out quite a name and career for himself. He’s done it the conventional way, through hard work, determination and an unbelievably good talent.

How refreshing that this can shine through in today’s cut-throat world of show business, ensuring that at least some of the really good guys get the break they deserve.

Visit www.myspace.com/benforstermusic

THRILLER Live

THRILLER – Live includes over two-hours of non-stop hit songs delivered by an exceptionally talented cast and live band, including the smash hits: I Want You Back, I’ll Be There, Show You The Way To Go, Can You Feel It, Rock With You, She’s Out Of My Life, Beat It, Billie Jean, Earth Song, Thriller plus many more!

For tour dates visit www.thrillerlive.com/tour

Images © John Stirzaker

2 Responses to “West End ‘THRILLER Live’ Star Ben Forster”

1. pamela says:

   June 20, 2010 at 5:14 pm

   hi ben. i been to see thriller live four times from the day bit opened and i had a great time every time . i think your a graet singer if i had the money i would come to see the show every day but sadly i cant i brought my family with me even low there not a micheal jackson fan they enjoyed the show but me i grow up with micheal jackson and the jackson 5. and will always be a fan . and hope to go back a.s,a,p. to see the show again i hope thriller will always be at the westend so i can go and see the show over and over again.
2. mick says:

   November 17, 2010 at 8:15 am

   A long way from Mr Bean – the worlds your oyster so make the most of it

   Mick
   New Zealand

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