A chat with Liam Damons who stars in MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical

By creammagazine, July 8, 2026

Talented performer Liam Damons only moved to Australia from South Africa a few short years ago but already he’s making some noise in the musical and cinematic arts. After having trained at NIDA (the the National Institute of Dramatic Art), he appeared in Mortal Kombat 2, the Aussie cult horror Bring Her Back and the ABC’s A (Very) Musical Christmas. Now he’s filled some big shoes, playing the ‘teen era’ Michael Jackson in the very successful MJ The Musical.

Interview by Antonino Tati

Hi Liam. Are you sensing a great buzz about the production MJ The Musical?

Oh my days, yes! The flags around the city, the bus ads and people walking around with the MJ tote bags – it’s so cool to see. Perth seems to be loving us and we’re loving them!

This musical features a story – or part biography – of one of the world’s most well-known music icons. Did you hear a lot about Michael Jackson as you were growing up, or did you need to do a lot of research and studying of his mannerisms before entering this production?

I grew up with Michael Jackson, so his music was pretty much the soundtrack to my childhood. My dad was a big fan, and he schooled me way before I was moonwalking on stage every night. So it all feels like it’s come full circle.

What do you think it is about Michael’s legacy that speaks to audiences around the world, and of different generations?

Michael Jackson’s music and his dance moves are some of the most iconic of all time. They’re timeless. And that’s why he’s still the greatest performer of all time and why fans of all ages can enjoy and appreciate his artistry.

Let’s get to the artistry. When did you yourself first fall in love with musical theatre? And when was your first time performing in a musical in front of an official audience?

I’ve always loved performing, but my love for musicals stems from some of my favourite childhood movies, like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. However, I’d never seen a musical or even auditioned for one until the Michael Jackson musical came around. The first time performing in front of an official audience was exhilarating! We had all worked so hard, so to share this musical with Australian audiences for the first time was something special.

Did you ever get nervous in your early days of performing on stage, and indeed do you get nervous before going on stage today?

Yes and yes! Nerves are always a sign that you care [about your performance], but I try to use it to my advantage, and to put all of that energy into my performance. Especially when you’re portraying someone so well-known, you want to make sure you’re doing justice to them.

There are so many dramatic scenes in this musical. What would be one of your most favourite to perform in?

Ooooh, the whole Victory Tour sequence in Act II is one of my favourites to do [Editor side note: My standout from that era was the song ‘State Of Shock’, and I just wish, wish, wish they’d used it in the production, darn it]. Without giving too much away, it’s when Michael really steps into his power, and begins to take control of his life and career.

Do you think there is anything missing in this stage story on Michael? Anything important? And if so, why do you think it was left out?

I think that playwright Lynn Nottage took the incredibly difficult task of condensing Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life into a two-hour production and he did an amazing job. I think our story really showcases his artistry, his meticulous creative process and gives audiences a different perspective on his early personal life.

If you were offered the chance to play a character in another biopic for film or television, on Michael Jackson, would you be confident to play MJ – be it MJ as a teenager or an adult?

Anyone playing Michael Jackson in any era knows it’s not an easy task to replicate. I would definitely love the challenge of taking on an older version of Michael Jackson, but I also very much enjoy portraying him in his teenage years. I think most of my favourite songs and costumes are from the era that I play currently.

What is your favourite Michael Jackson song and why?

Such a tough one because it can change day to day. But I really love Heaven Can Wait; it’s soulful and so beautifully written. I almost wish someone would write a song like that about me! [Laughs]. Another favourite is probably Human Nature. It’s such a classic, and between Michael Jackson’s vocals and the instrumention… it’s perfection.

‘MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical’ is on at Crown Theatre until July 19.

Tickets are available through crownperth.com.au.

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