My perfect weekend: Michael Jackson impersonator Ben Bowman
Michael Jackson tribute performer Ben Bowman tells The Ticket what makes a thriller weekend.
It's Friday afternoon, what's on your mind?
Anytime all that is on my mind is the show. Sometimes in the past I have found myself running songs in my head during shopping trips, or suddenly having to break rapidly in the car because I'm in the middle of a song in my head!
Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekends?
At weekends I spend time with my second family, my close-knit workforce. We laugh and enjoy every moment as the approaching show nears. It's a lot of work, but it's always a pleasure and made tremendous fun by the wonderful people I get to share it with.
How do you prepare for a big night out?
Difficult to say when my last big night out was, as I always work weekends. I suppose I would get dressed up. I would then battle with my hair. Having a curly MJ look has its disadvantages. But once that is all done I would generally sit and having my pre-drink before the evening begins.
What's your favourite party outfit?
I'm a suit man! I can't help it, I know it's old fashioned but I feel most comfortable suited, either that, or dressed like Michael. Which is weirder? I'll leave that to you!
You've arrived at the bar, what's your first drink?
I am without doubt a lover of red wine, however, since the red stains your teeth, I've converted myself to white wine, which I also enjoy.
However I have to know my limits as wine can be a killer.
What is your favourite night spot and why?
The best night out I ever had was dressed up at Halloween in Plymouth. I performed shows there for a two-month stint years ago and shared the spot with an Abba tribute show. Let's just say when Abba and MJ go the Flares Nightclub in Plymouth, there is certainly fun to be had.
It's a sunny Saturday, what are you up to?
I am all over the place all the time. I would love to be basking in the sun reading a book. But in reality, I'm normally in the car on the way to a show, or setting up!
What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?
Probably the weekend we performed at Glastonbury 2012. It was our first major festival. The crowd was amazing and the whole experience was incredible. To perform in front of 15,000 people was a dream come true! It was a real sense of achievement.
What's your recipe for the perfect night in?
A woman, a DVD, houmous and breadsticks and white wine. Heaven.
Favourite DVD and what would you eat while watching it?
Houmous and breadsticks are generally my party food, as well as (and more often) salt and vinegar rice cakes. As for the DVD, it would have to be MJ Live at Wembley 1988. You can't Beat It!
Sunday breakfast: cooked or continental?
Continental all the way.
Sunday lunch: home cooked or down the pub?
My mum's a genius when it comes to Sunday lunch, so off to mum's.
You have the whole weekend off and a wad of cash. Which country or city would you head to?
Las Vegas. I've never been there and would love to go., I'd be blowing the cash on shows and drinks, I should imagine.
*Ben Bowman will take to the stage at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn tomorrow (June 15) to present his tribute show to the King of Pop. The performer is a long-time fan and hugely-talented singer and dancer who will recreate the Michael Jackson experience.
Theatre Severn spokesman Craig Reeves said: "Ben's portrayal of Jackson has to be the most accurate and exciting tribute to the King of Pop to have ever toured UK theatres.
"Ben is joined on the stage by his incredible band and dancers, who work their way through all the hits. He's got the look, the moonwalk and the voice. His renditions of Thriller, Beat it and Billie Jean are truly sensational."
Jackson Live In Concert features all-live vocals and music, fabulous costumes, and of course all the signature dance moves associated so fondly with the undisputed King of Pop.